L22: Leprosy, Botulism, Tetanus Flashcards

1
Q

What are the basic properties of Mycobacterium species?

A

Aerobic, acid-fast bacilli that are non-motile and do not form spores.

Mycobacterium species have a high lipid content in their cell wall, making them hydrophobic and resistant to chemical agents and drying.

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2
Q

What is the transmission mode for leprosy?

A

Likely via respiratory droplets; entry through the upper respiratory tract is most probable.

Leprosy can also enter through broken skin.

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3
Q

What are the two major types of leprosy?

A
  • Lepromatous type
  • Tuberculoid type

Borderline leprosy is the most common form, falling between these two types.

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4
Q

What are the clinical characteristics of lepromatous leprosy?

A

Skin lesions are progressive and multiple, with symmetric nerve involvement and abundant bacilli in lesions.

Intermittent bacteremia may also occur.

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5
Q

What is the primary method for diagnosing leprosy?

A

Clinical presentation and acid-fast bacilli in skin biopsy material.

PCR of skin biopsy can also be used for definitive diagnosis.

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6
Q

Fill in the blank: The first-line medications for treating leprosy include _______ and rifampin.

A

dapsone

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7
Q

What are common symptoms of leprosy?

A
  • Hypopigmented or hyperpigmented macules
  • Thick, stiff, or dry skin
  • Numbness in affected areas
  • Muscle weakness/paralysis
  • Enlarged nerves

Eye problems and nasal congestion may also occur.

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8
Q

What are the components of the normal intestinal microbiota of humans?

A

Includes free-living and symbiotic forms of Clostridium species.

Medically important species include C. perfringens, C. tetani, and C. botulinum.

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9
Q

What is the causative agent of tetanus?

A

Clostridium tetani

Spores of C. tetani are ubiquitous in soil and dust.

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10
Q

What are the clinical presentations of generalized tetanus?

A
  • Tonic contraction and intense spasm of skeletal muscles
  • Lockjaw (trismus)
  • Stiff neck and grimace
  • Arching of back and rigid abdomen

Breathing difficulty and extreme pain are also common.

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11
Q

True or False: Most cases of tetanus occur within 8 days post-exposure.

A

True

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12
Q

What is the average death rate of tetanus cases?

A

~10%

The death rate may vary based on the severity of the cases.

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13
Q

What is the primary method for preventing tetanus?

A

Vaccination

The tetanus vaccine is part of routine immunization.

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14
Q

What are the typical clinical findings in a tetanus diagnosis?

A

Clinical findings and history are essential; early diagnosis is crucial.

Symptoms such as lockjaw and muscle spasms are key indicators.

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15
Q

What are the forms of tetanus?

A
  • Localized tetanus
  • Cephalic tetanus
  • Neonatal tetanus
  • Opisthotonus
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16
Q

What is essential for the diagnosis of tetanus?

A

Clinical findings and history

17
Q

What is the preferred treatment for tetanus?

A

Human tetanus immunoglobulin (HTIG)

18
Q

What antibiotics are commonly used in tetanus treatment?

A

IV metronidazole

19
Q

What is a key prevention method for tetanus?

A

Immunization with tetanus toxoid

20
Q

What combination vaccines are used for tetanus prevention in children under 7?

A

DTaP

21
Q

What combination vaccines are used for tetanus prevention in older children and adults?

A

Tdap or Td

22
Q

What is the causative agent of botulism?

A

Clostridium botulinum

23
Q

What are the main transmission routes for botulism?

A
  • Foodborne
  • Wound
  • Infant
24
Q

What toxin is produced by Clostridium botulinum?

A

Botulinum toxin

25
Q

What is the effect of botulinum toxin on the nervous system?

A

Blocks release of acetylcholine

26
Q

How many confirmed cases of botulism are reported per year in the USA?

A

~100-250

27
Q

What is the most common form of botulism?

A

Infant botulism

28
Q

What are the clinical manifestations of foodborne botulism?

A
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth with sore throat
29
Q

What is a primary cause of death in foodborne botulism?

A

Respiratory failure

30
Q

What are the signs of infant botulism?

A
  • Constipation
  • Poor feeding
  • Lethargy
  • Poor muscle tone
31
Q

What is the most important aspect of diagnosing botulism?

A

Physical exam and patient history

32
Q

What is the treatment for foodborne and wound botulism?

A

Equine serum heptavalent botulism antitoxin (BAT)

33
Q

What is the treatment for infant botulism?

A

Human-derived botulism immune globulin (BabyBIG; BIG-IV)

34
Q

What is a preventive measure for botulism in food preservation?

A

Boil the food item for at least 10 minutes

35
Q

True or False: Honey should be given to children under 1 year old to prevent botulism.

A

False