Haemophilus

Question 1

Epiglottitis infection by Haemophilus

Answer 1

Infection of the epiglottis and other soft tissues above the vocal cords
• Potentially life-threatening as the airway can become completely obstructed
• Usually caused by H. influenzae type b
• Can also see bacteremia

Question 2

Conjunctivitis by Haemophilus

Answer 2

An inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva; purulent discharge
• Symptoms: red, watery eyes, inflamed lids, blurred vision and a sandy or scratchy feeling
in the eyes
• Primarily in pediatric population

Question 3

Chancroid infection by Haemophilus

Answer 3

Genital lesions: tender papule with an erythematous base, progressing to painful ulceration with associated lymphadenopathy
• Most common in Africa and Asia; mostly men (women can be asymptomatic)

Question 4

What does HACEK stand for?

Answer 4

Haemophilus spp. (many renamed species)
• Aggregatibacter
• Cardiobacterium
• Eikenella
• Kingella

Question 5

HACEK group : Eikenella corrodens

Relation to illness/ initail infection

Answer 5

Trauma due to human bite or by clenched fist wounds incurred by facial punches

Question 6

HACEK group : Kingella

Answer 6

Pediatric pathogen (6 mo to 3 yr); bone, blood and joint infections (septic arthritis) 
• Daycare center outbreaks (~30% kids colonized) 
• Virulence factor: capsule

Question 7

Characteristics/types of Pasteurella infections

Answer 7

Zoonotic and Soft tissue infections

Question 8

Cellulitis

Answer 8

An area of spreading inflammation

Question 9

With what Biosafety Level must Brucella be handled

Answer 9

Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory
• Standard Microbiological Practices
• All procedures involving the manipulation of infectious
materials must be conducted within a biological safety cabinet
or other physical containment device
• BSL-3 laboratory has special engineering and design features
• Self-closing doors
• Negative air flow
• Respiratory protection

Question 10

Risk factors of Brucella in relation to : Cattle

Answer 10

Eradication of B. abortus from cattle is nearly complete in the
U.S.; disease occurs in some wild bison and elk herds in the
western U.S.

Question 11

Risk factors of Brucella in relation to : Sheep/goat

Answer 11

Considered to be eradicated in the U.S. since the early 1970s
• Sporadic cases in humans in the U.S. occur related to
consumption of unpasteurized dairy products from countries where the disease is present

Question 12

Risk factors of Brucella in relation to : Dog

Answer 12

Individuals who are in close contact with dogs, or breeders/veterinary staff who assist with birthing

Question 13

Risk factors of Brucella in relation to : Swine

Answer 13

Wild hog (feral swine) hunters are at risk of becoming infected when they field dress infected pigs

Question 14

Bioterrorism Agents : Category A

Answer 14

High-priority agents include organisms that pose a risk to
national security because they
• can be easily disseminated or transmitted from person to person;
• result in high mortality rates and have the potential for major public health impact;
• might cause public panic and social disruption; and
• require special action for public health preparedness.

Question 15

Bioterrorism Agents : Category B

Answer 15

are moderately easy to disseminate;
• result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates; and
• require specific enhancements of CDC’s diagnostic capacity and enhanced disease
surveillance

Question 16

Bioterrorism Agents : Category C

Answer 16

Third highest priority agents include emerging
pathogens that could be engineered for mass dissemination in the
future because of
• availability;
• ease of production and dissemination; and
• potential for high morbidity and mortality rates and major health impact.

Question 17

Specimen collection issues concerning Haemophilus spp

Answer 17

Haemophilus spp. are susceptible to drying and temperature extremes; thus plating must occur immediately