Infectious Disease

Question 1

What is the Epi Triangle?

Answer 1

A model used to understand the interaction between the agent, host, and environment in infectious diseases.

The Epi Triangle helps in identifying the factors that contribute to the spread of infectious diseases.

Question 2

What are the stages of infection?

Answer 2

1. Incubation
2. Prodromal
3. Illness
4. Decline
5. Convalescence

Each stage represents a different phase in the progression of an infectious disease.

Question 3

Define virulence factors.

Answer 3

Molecules produced by pathogens that contribute to their ability to cause disease.

These factors can include toxins, surface proteins, and other substances that enhance the pathogen’s ability to infect and damage host tissues.

Question 4

What is pathogenicity?

Answer 4

The ability of a microorganism to cause disease.

Pathogenicity is influenced by various factors including the organism’s virulence, the host’s immune response, and environmental conditions.

Question 5

List some risk factors associated with infectious diseases.

Answer 5

• Age
• Immunocompromised status
• Poor hygiene
• Travel history
• Underlying health conditions

These factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to infections.

Question 6

What diseases are caused by S. aureus?

Answer 6

1. Skin infections
2. Pneumonia
3. Food poisoning
4. Toxic shock syndrome
5. Endocarditis

S. aureus is a common bacterium that can lead to a variety of infections, some of which can be severe.

Question 7

What diseases are associated with E. coli?

Answer 7

1. Gastroenteritis
2. Urinary tract infections
3. Hemolytic uremic syndrome

Certain strains of E. coli can lead to serious foodborne illness.

Question 8

What type of infections does C. albicans typically cause?

Answer 8

1. Oral thrush
2. Vaginal yeast infections
3. Systemic candidiasis

C. albicans is a fungus that is part of the normal flora but can cause opportunistic infections.

Question 9

What disease is caused by M. tuberculosis?

Answer 9

Tuberculosis (TB).

TB primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.

Question 10

What is the primary disease caused by the influenza virus?

Answer 10

Influenza (the flu).

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to hospitalization and death.

Question 11

What are some mechanisms of novel pathogens?

Answer 11

1. Antigenic variation
2. Resistance to antibiotics
3. Enhanced transmission rates

Novel pathogens may employ various strategies to evade host defenses and spread effectively.