Fungal and Parasitic CNS infections Flashcards
What is the most likely pathogen for cryptococcosis infection?
Cryptococcus neoformans
Cryptococcus neoformans is an endogenous or exogenous infection?
Exogenous
Inhalation of dessicated yeast cells from a natural reservoir (soil, bird droppings) will lead to what infection?
cryptococcosis
If cryptococcosis travels to the brain from initial skin or pulmonary infection, what is the result?
Meningoencephalitis SX: Fever, HA, stiff neck, AMS
What are 2 serotypes (A, B, C, D) are associated w/ C. neoformans?
A, D and A/D *C. gattii = serotypes B and C
When viewing Cryptococcus neoformans under a microscope will you see encapsulated or non-encapsulated yeast?
Encapsulated
What ink will help you view the encapsulated yeast of Cryptococcus neoformans?
India Ink
What are the 3 pathogenicity factors of Cryptococcus neoformans?
- Capsule (evades phagocytosis) 2. Diphenol oxidase (a laccase enzyme) forms melanin from phenol containing substrates 3. Ability to grow at 37˚C
What infection is initiated by inhalation of yeast cells that is especially problematic for IMC pts?
Cryptococcus neoformans
Does the yeast form of C. neoformans prefer blood or CSF?
CSF
T or F: All cases of meningoencephalitis from C. neoformans infection are fatal?
TRUE
Are cryptococcal diseases communicable?
No
The following are clinical manifestations of what disease? 1. Pulmonary - asymptomatic/flu-like/cavitation 2. Disseminated meningitis 3. Skin lesions
Cryptococcosis
Will C. gattii or C. neoformans lead to more extensive infections?
C. gattii *Found in immunocompetent hosts
Will C. gattii or C. neoformans turn blue on canavanine glycine bromothymol blue medium?
C. gattii
What is the pathogen that causes toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasma gondii
Toxoplasma gondii can lead to severe complications in what 2 populations?
- IMC 2. Women newly infected in pregnancy *Toxoplasma gondii is asx in immunocompetent pts
Which trophozoite form of T. gondii, tachyzoite (acute) or bradyzoite (chronic), more efficiently cleared by the immune system?
Tachyzoite
Is the tachyzoite (acute) or bradyzoite (chronic) form of T. gondii the actively proliferating form?
Tachyzoite Bradyzoite = slowly replicating
T. gondii has two distinct morphologically distinct forms. What are they?
- Trophzoite (tachyzoite & bradyzoite) 2. Cysts (zoitocyst, oocyst)
Are trophozoites or cysts infective for T. gondii?
Cysts
What animal is the host for the sexual stage (oocyst) of the T. gondii’s sexual stage?
Cats *Oocysts can remain infectious for up to 1 year in soil
Chorioretinitis, hydrocephalous, and intracranial calcifications are the triad of sx suggestive of what form of toxoplasmosis?
Congenital toxoplasmosis *Congenital cases result in more severe damage (blindness, epilepsy, developmental delays).
Is toxoplasmosis transmitted via direct humans contact or foodborne?
Food-borne transmission (usually zoitocysts)
Infection with toxoplasmosis is highest in what types of climates?
Hot and humid
What are the tests can be used to DX Cryptococcosis (C. gattii or C. neoformans)?
Samples taken from CSF, sputum, aspiration from skin lesion Direct exam via India Ink Culture: - SDA or PDA (sabouraud dextrose or potato dextrose agar) - Birdseed agar if mixed infection - Grow at 37˚C - Grown on canavanine glycine bromethyl blue medium Serology: Detection of capsule antigen in CSF and serum by latex agglutination test
The zoitocysts (tissue cyst) of T. gondii contains the tachyzoite or the bradyzoite?
Bradyzoite
Fever, myalgia, blurred vision and mild flu sx are sx of congenital toxoplasmosis or post natal toxoplasmosis?
Post natal toxoplasmosis
In what states of T. gondii infection can it be diagnosed?
Zoitocysts and trophozoites
What preventative measures will help prevent T gondii infection? (4)
- Cook meat thoroughly 2. Wear gloves during and wash hands after gardening 3. Keep outdoor sandboxes covered 4. Pregnant women should NOT clear liter box or adopt new cats