Micro-Intr to Pulm Pathogens Flashcards
What causes 50% or more of ear infections?
Viruses, frequently RSV
WHat are the most common Bacterial causes of ear infections?
- S. Pneumoniae
2. Haemophilus influenzae
What are the most common causes of more than 50% of common colds?
Viruses specifically rhinovirus and coronaviruses.
What are some of the other causes of common colds (Rhinitis) besides rhinovirus and coronaviruses?
Adenovirus, Parainfluenza virus, influenza virus and RSV
WHat is the most common cause of Pharygitis (sore throat)?
Viruses mostly Adenovirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus, paraflu, and flu viruses.
What are the major bacterial agents causing pharyngitis?
Group A Streptococcus
Nisseria Gonorrhoeae
What other bacteria besides the Group A Strptococcus and N Gonnorrhoeae is known to cause severe Pharyngitis (sore throat).
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
What are the characteristics of Pharyngitis caused by C Diphtheriae?
- Severe Sore Throat
2. Pseudomembrane composed of necrotic tissue, immune cells, and bacteria
How can Diphtheria be life threatening?
By causing respiratory obstruction; Obstructive Laryngotracheitis which is extension of the mambrane into the Larynx and trachea.
What are some of the secondary conditions associated with Diphtheria?
- Myocarditis
- Peripheral nerve palsies
- CNS effects
What is the treatment for C. Diphtheria?
- Diphtheria equine antitoxin
- Removal of membrane by direct Laryngoscope or Bronchoscopy
- Antibiotic therapy Penicillin, Azithromycin
What organisms are responsible for Laryngitis and its more severe form Croup?
Viruses
What characterizes Bronchitis?
- Mild Fever
- Productive cough
- Fatigue
What organisms are most responsible for Bronchitis?
Viruses
- RSV
- Adenovirus
- Paraflu
- Flu
Besides viruses What are some bacteria known for causing Bronchitis?
- H. influenzae
- Mycoplasma Pneumoniae
- Chlamydia pneumoniae
What test is required for suspected B. Pertussis and Viral infections in cases of Bronchitis?
Throat cultures
In suspected Bacterial cases of Bronchitis caused by C. pneumoniae and M. Pneumoniae what test are required for diagnosis?
Serology
WHat are the characteristic signs of Pneumonia?
- Chills
- High Fever
- Productive cough
- Chest Pain
- Sweating
What is the most common cause of Pneumonia in children and elderly?
Viral infections
Which cause of Pneumonia can produce particularly life threatening acute episodes in healthy young adults?
Influenza infection precipitated Pneumonia
What is a complication of influenza infection Pneumonia?
Can make patients prone to subsequent bacterial acute Pneumonia
What is the most common cause of bacterial acute Pneumonia?
S. Pneumonia
WHat are two prominent causes of Fungal Pneumonia?
Candida and Aspergillis
What type of pneumonia is rarely caused by viruses?
Chronic Pneumonia
What are the most prominent causes of Chronic Pneumonia?
- Tuberculosis
- Fungal pathogens
- Histoplasma capsulatum
- Blastomyces dermatitidis
- Coccidioides immitis
Which sputum culture findings are immune from suspicion of contamination in pneumonia diagnosis?
- Flu
2. TB
What can be done to confirm the findings from sputum culture in acute Pneumonia?
Blood culture
Which form of Tuberculosis leads to chronic Pneumonia characterized by fever, malaise, night sweats, weight loss, and bloody sputum?
Reactivated Tuberculosis
Primary tuberculosis is often asymptomatic
What Demographic is most likely to have reactivated TB?
Males over 50.
What are some of the things that can lead to reactivation of Tuberculosis?
Immunosuppresion brought on by
- Alcoholism
- Malnutrition
- Diabetes
- Old Age
What is the end result of untreated Tuberculosis?
Dissemination and ultimately fatal meningitis
What doesn’t Mycobacterium tuberculosis Gram Stain (it is a rod)
It is surrounded by a hydrophobic lipid surface containing mycolic acids
How is Mycobacterium Tuberculosis visualized?
Acid-Fast staining (difficult because of low bacterial numbers) Cultures take 3 weeks to grow.
What feature of Influenza is responsible for its relatively high rate of mutation?
The negative-strand RNA, segmented genomes
What two principle surface proteins are altered in antigenic variation by Influenza?
- Hemagglutinin
2. Neuraminidase
What feature of Influenza can lead to flu pandemics?
The segmented genome undergoing reassortment
What Flu drug has been rendered virtually useless through resistance?
Amantadine
What fungal treat must be used in disseminated infections and any opportunistic infection?
Amphotericin B
