Meningitis to Polio Flashcards
what is bacterial meningitis
Inflammatory bacterial infections of the meninges (particularly the two internal ones, the pia and arachnoid mater)
- Induces meningeal swelling, restricting CSF flow and putting pressure on the organs, causing nausea, pain, vomiting, reduced brain function
what causes meningicoccal meningitis
Neisseria Meningitidis
what is the leading cause of meningitis?
streptococcus pneumoniae
what is the primary virulence factor of streptococcus pneumoniae
phoporylcholine - attachment to cells of lungs, meninges, blood vessels - and triggers endocytosis
what bacteria causes meningitis in immunocompromised individuals, but only mild flu in healthy adults and avoids immune system detection by dividing inside macrophages and epithelial cells
Listeria monocytogenes
what is the causative agent of Hansen’s disease (Leprosy)
Mycobacterium leprae
where do you tend to see the mycobacterium leprae grow
chilly parts of the body : earlobes, nose, tips of fingers and toes
what is causative agent of botulism
Clostridium botulinum toxin (note: NOT an infection)
what are the 3 types of botulism
foodborne, infant, and wound
what are the Foodborne/Wound Botulism symptoms
paralysis of all voluntary muscles, blurred vision, nausea (death from respiratory paralysis)
what are the infant botulism?
not ingested, but C. botulinum can infect GI tract due to absence of microbiota
what is the causative agent of tetanus
Clostridium tetani
how does Clostridium tetani enter the body
endospores enter through breaks in skin
what are the signs/symptoms of tetanus
tightening of jaw and neck muscles, difficulty swallowing, fever, spasms
treatment of tetanus?
aggressive treatment of wound, antibiotics
