Infectious Dx: Mycoplasma, Actinomyces, Nocardia

Question 1

While Mycoplasma is a common commensalism of the _____ ____________ _____ of dogs and cats, there are also nonhemotropic and hemotropic forms. These include -?

Answer 1

Upper respiratory tract

Hemotropic = M. hemocanis, M. hemofelis; No hemotropic = M. canis, M. cynos, M. felis, M. gatae, Ureaplasma app.

Question 2

In felids with Mycoplasma infections, how do they typically present?

Answer 2

Serous to purulent oculonasal discharge, conjunctivitis, blepharospasm, chemosis, and hyperemic conjunctiva

Question 3

True or False: Mycoplasma spp. urogenital infections occurs from pathogenic strains.

Answer 3

False, they are considered opportunistic bacteria if associated with urogenital infections.

Question 4

Mycoplasma infections can be treated with a variety of antimicrobials, but what class should not be utilized for treatments?

Answer 4

Beta-lactams

Question 5

Actinomyces spp. are normal inhabitants of what two systems in the body? (Nervous, etc.)

Answer 5

GI and urogenital

Question 6

Actinomyces infections in dogs often results from trauma to what physical barriers, and manifests in what forms?

Answer 6

Trauma to the mucous membranes

Manifests as cervicofacial, cutaneous/subcutaneous, or thoracic forms

Question 7

Cats have a higher predilection for what form of Actinomyces infections?

A. Cervicofacial
B. Cutaneous/subcutaneous
C. Thoracic

Answer 7

C. Thoracic

Question 8

Where is Nocardia commonly found, and how does it result in infection in dogs and cats?

Answer 8

Nocardia is an environmental saprophyte, and infections arise from inhalation or direct inoculation in wounds

Question 9

Resulting in cases of acute or chronic suppurative inflammatory processes, Nocardia commonly presents in what forms?

Answer 9

Cutaneous/subcutaneous, pulmonary, or disseminated forms

Question 10

True or False: Both Nocardia and Actinomyces result in suppurative to pyogranulomatous infections, with detectable mats of gram positive filamentous bacteria that are detected upon acid fast staining.

Answer 10

False, Nocardia can be identified on acid fast staining, while Actinomyces cannot; otherwise, they are similar in appearance

Question 11

What is the drug of choice for Actinomyces bacterial infections?

Answer 11

Penicillin

Question 12

What is the antimicrobial of choice for Nocardia infections?

Answer 12

TMS (can be added with beta-lactams for increased efficacy)