Medical Microbiology Flashcards
Describe Neutropenia.
extremely low WBC count
prone:
-infection
-dissemination
-sepsis
- death
Explain how a stem cell transplant is done.
Blood drawn
stem cells harvested
Radiation/Chemo (high dose)- eliminates cancer cells
Introduce healthy stem cells into blood, replenishes the immune system
Name two ways in which neutropenic patients are infected.
Via the gut
-Chemo (injury)- damage to mucosal layers/barriers- ulceration and inflammation. Mucositis
-Antibiotics (flora)
-Translocation (infection to move in)
Insertion of Catheter
What are the symptoms of mucositis?
Clinically pain, swelling, difficulty eating and swallowing, diarrhea, and changes in mucus production.
What determines infections in immunocompromised hosts?
Type of immune deficit
Severity
Duration
What is immunosuppression?
intentional suppression of the immune system’s response to foreign substances.
This prevents rejects, autoimmune and uncontrolled inflammation.
However, it can lead to
Greater risk of infection, with the rapid development
Re-activation
Opportunistic infections (less virulent infections)
Explain the difference between immunocompromised and immunosuppression.
Immunosuppression refers to a deliberate or accidental suppression of the immune system’s function, such as through medication or chemotherapy
immunocompromised refers to a state in which the immune system is not functioning properly, either due to a genetic condition, illness, or external factors.
Describe psuedomonas aeruginosa.
Gram-negative
Alpha haemolysis
-Keratitis
-skin and soft tissues
-ventilator acquired pneumonia
-intra-abdo infection
nosocomial infection (hospital)
Describe Aspergillus infections.
Fungus (filamentous mould)
environment via inhalation
pneumonia
prevent flowers
Describe Pneumocytis jirrovecii.
Fungus
Both trophozoites and cysts
airborne
Describe candida albicans
Fungus that affects mucous membranes
proliferates in higher glucose envirnoments
