Infections of the GI system

Question 1

Why is it difficult for bacteria to colonize the first portion of the small intestine? p. 240

Answer 1

Because of the rapid peristalsis and emptying of the pancreatic juices and bile into the first portion of the duodenum which washes out the bacteria.

Question 2

What is dental plaque? p. 240

Answer 2

Is a microbial bio-film that attaches to the enamel of teeth, which if not removed on a regular basis it can lead to cavities (caries). Dental plaque and an overpopulation of established oral bacteria are the main causes of periodontal disease.

Question 3

List some factors that affect the health of the oral cavity, p 241

Answer 3

1. Smoking/tobacco
2. Genetic predisposition to periodontal disease,
3. Pregnancy, puberty, stress, medication, diabetes, grinding one’s teeth, poor nutrition, and other systemic diseases.

Question 4

What is necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis?

Answer 4

It is a painful infection of the gums, with acute pain, bleeding, and a foul breath. which occur when gums are not treated. Causing both tissue and bone that supports the teeth to deteriorate eventually leading to tooth loss.

Question 5

What is Gastroenteritis or “stomach flu”? p 242

Answer 5

It is an inflammation of the stomach and intestine that can be caused by microorganisms or ingestion of chemical toxins.
At risk groups include children in childcare centers and the elderly living in nursing homes as well as people with chronic disease and/or compromised immune systems, in which it can be life-threatening due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Question 6

List some causes of gastroenteritis, p 243

Answer 6

Contaminated food (with organisms or its toxins), contaminated water, contact with an infected person, unwashed hands, dirty food utensils, and contaminated work space.

Question 7

NOTE: A bacterial infection occurs when a pathogen enters the G.I. tract, adheres, and multiple. Bacteria are the most common cause of food-borne illnesses, which can be caused by the bacteria themselves, their toxins, or both.

Answer 7

NOTE: A bacterial intoxication occurs when toxins produced by the bacteria contaminated food or water and then are introduce to the human body.
pp 243-244

Question 8

What are peptic ulcers?

Is a common illness in the US 1 in 10 people will experience. p 244

Answer 8

Mucosal erosion in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. It can be caused long-term use of anti-inflammatory agents; conditions such as cancer of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas; or by a bacterium Helicobacter pyloric.

Question 9

How does H. pylori survived in the acidic environment of the stomach? p 244

Answer 9

It produces an enzyme that can naturalize acids, and allows the bacterium to attach to the intestinal mucosa, damage it, and causes an ulcer by allowing the stomach acids access to the underlying tissue.

Question 10

What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers?

Answer 10

Weight loss, poor appetite, bloating, burping, nausea, and vomiting. p 244

Question 11

List some antibiotics which are used for the treatment of the ulcers caused by H.pylori,

Answer 11

H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and stomach lining protector drugs. p 244

Question 12

What is Salmonellosis?

Answer 12

a disease affecting primarily the gastrointestinal tract; caused by species of the genus Salmonella.

Question 13

NOTE: Salmonella species belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae, They are rod shaped, gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, non-sporting microorganisms, and their normal habitat is the intestinal tract of many animals, including humans.

Answer 13

NOTE: Most people infected with, Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The incubation time and severity of resulting illness are proportional to the number of organisms ingest. The illness usually subsides within 5 to 7 days and most people do not require treatments. p 244

Question 14

List some diseases caused by Salmonella species,

Answer 14

Typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, and food-borne illnesses in human. p 244

Question 15

What is the mane given to the disease-causing species of Salmonella?

Answer 15

Salmonella enterica. p 244

Question 16

Salmonellosis is usually caused by ___ p 244

According to the CDC, approximately 40,000 cases are reported annually in the US alone.

Answer 16

Consumption of food of animal origin that have been contaminated with salmonella such as raw or uncooked eggs, poultry, untreated milk products, and meat or other items contaminated with feces.

Question 17

What is the cause of Typhoid fever?

Answer 17

It is an acute life threatening illness caused by serotype Typhid, (a rod-shape, flagellated, gram-negative bacterium). p 244

Question 18

How is Typhoid fever transmitted? p 244.

Answer 18

It is transmitted through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person. It is not found in animals, and is transmitted only via human feces. More common found in areas of the world where hand washing is not common and were water is contaminated with human waste.

Question 19

What is Paratyphoid fever, also known as “enteric fever”?

Answer 19

Caused by Salmonella enterica serovars Paratyphi, (three spices of Salmonella are responsible; serovars A,B, and C) is transmitted by means of contaminated water or food. It can be transmitted from animals or animal products to humans, or from person to person.