Microbiology 3 Flashcards
what are the major categories of fungi? how do they grow?
- yeasts and yeast-like fungi, which reproduce by budding
- moulds, which grow by branching and longitudinal extension of hyphae
- dimorphic fungi, which behave as yeasts in the host but as moulds in vitro
what is the behaviour of dimorphic fungi?
behave as yeasts in the host but as moulds in vitro
what are examples of dimorphic fungi?
Histoplasma capsulatum and Sporothrix schenckii
where are systemic mycoses usually seen?
in immunocompromised patients, and in critical care settings; becoming more prevalent as this population of patient increases
how are fungal infections transmitted?
by inhalation of spores, by contact with the skin, or by direct inoculation
how can direct inoculation by fungi occur?
penetrating injuries, injecting drug use, or iatrogenic procedures
what are categories of fungal infections?
systemic, subcutaneous, superficial
what are some common systemic fungal infections?
- Histoplasmosis
- Cryptococcosis
- Coccidiodomycosis
- Blastomycosis
- Zygomycosis (mucomycosis)
- Candidiasis
- Aspergillosis
- Pneumocystis
what are some common subcutaneous fungal infections?
- Sporotrichosis
- Subcutaneous zygomycosis
- Chromoblastomycosis
- Mycetoma
what are some common superficial fungal infections?
- Dermatophytosis
- Superficial candidiasis
- Malassezia infections
what is Candidiasis caused by?
- most common fungal infection in fumans
- caused by Candida albicans; other species are increasingly recognised
- Candida are small asexual fungi
- most species pathogenic to humans are normal oropharyngeal and GI commensals
- found worldwide
what are clinical features of Candidiasis?
- any organ can be invaded; vaginal infection and oral thrush are most common forms
- candidal oesophagitis presents with painful dysphagia
- cutaneous candidiasis typically occurs in intertrignous areas
- paronychia
- balanitis and vaginal infection
- dissemination may lead to haematogenous spread, with meningitis, pulmonary involvement, endocarditis or osteomyelitis
where is oral thrush often seen?
- very young
- elderly
- following antibiotic therapy
- those who are immunosuppressed
what may dissemination of candidiasis lead to?
- haematogenous
- meningitis
- pulmonary involvement
- endocarditis
- osteomyelitis
what is diagnosis of Candidiasis?
demonstrated in scrapings from infected lesions, tissue secretions or in invasive disease, from blood cultures
what is treatment of Candidiasis?
- varies depending on the site and severity of infection
- oral lesions respond to local nystatin or amphotericin B or systemic fluconazole
- systemic infections: parenteral therapy with amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole or caspofungin is necessary
what is Histoplasmosis caused by?
Histoplasma capsulatum
- non-encapsulated, dimorphic fungus
- spores can survive in moist soil for several years, esp. when enriched by bird and bat droppings
where does Histoplasmosis often occur?
- occurs worldwide
- only commonly seen in Ohio and Mississippi river valleys where over 80% of the population have been subclinically exposed
how is Histoplasmosis transmitted?
mainly by inhalation of the spores, esp. when clearing out attics, barns and bird roosts or exploring caves
what is the pathogenesis of Histoplasma infection?
spores -> lungs -> budding forms -> granulomatous reaction or caseating necrosis
what are the main clinical forms of Histoplasma infection?
- acute pulmonary histoplasmosis
- chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis
- cutaneous
- ocular
- disseminated histoplasmosis
what are clinical features of primary pulmonary histoplasmosis?
- usually asymptomatic; only evidence of infection is conversion of a histoplasmin skin test from negative to positive and radiological features similar to those seen with Ghon primary complex of TB
- calcification in the lungs, spleen and liver in high endemic areas
- when symptomatic, it presents as a mild influenza like illness, with fever, chills, myalgia and cough
- systemic symptoms are pronounced in severe disease
what are complications of primary pulmonary histoplasmosis?
- atelectasis
- secondary bacterial pneumonia
- pleural effusions
- erythema nodosum
- erythema multiforme
what are clinical features of chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis?
- clinically indistinguishable from pulmonary TB
- usually seen in American white males over 50
- fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, weight loss, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia
- features of meningitis, hepatitis, hypoadrenalism, endocarditis and peritonitis (rare)
what is the diagnosis of histoplasmosis?
- culturing the fungi (e.g. from sputum) or by demonstrating them on histological secretions
- H. capsulatum glycoprotein can be detected in urine and serum in those with acute pulmonary and disseminated infection
- antibodies usually develop within 3 weeks of the onset of illness and are best detected by complement fixation or immunodiffusion (sensitivity of 95% and 90%)
where can H. capsulatum be detected?
in urine and serum in those with acute pulmonary and disseminated infection
when do H. capsulatum antibodies develop? how are they detected?
antibodies usually develop within 3 weeks of the onset of illness and are best detected by complement fixation or immunodiffusion (sensitivity of 95% and 90%)
what is the sensitivity of complement fixation or immunodiffusion?
95% and 90%, respectively
what is the management of of histoplasmosis?
- only symptomatic acute pulmonary histoplasmosis, chronic histoplasmosis and acute disseminated histoplasmosis require treatment
- itraconazole is effective in mild-moderate disease
- severe infection treated with IV amphotericin B for 1-2 weeks followed by itraconazole for 12 weeks or with voriconazole
- methylprednisolone for respiratory complications
- AIDS: parenteral amphotericin B followed by maintenance therapy with itraconazole 200mg BD where HAART unavailable
- surgical excision of histoplasmomas or chronic cavitatory lung lesions or adhesions following mediastinits are often required
what is African histoplasmosis caused by?
Histoplasma duboisii (spores larger than H. capsulatum)
what are the clinical features of African histoplasmosis?
- skin lesions (e.g. abscesses, nodules, lymph node involvement and lytic bone lesions) are prominent
- pulmonary lesions do not occur
- treatment similar to that for H. capsulatum infection
what is Aspergillosis caused by?
one of several species of dimorphic fungi of the genus Aspergillus
- A. fumigatus is most common
- A. flavus and A. niger are also recognised
how is Asperigillosis transmitted?
- ubiquitous in the environment and are commonly found on decaying leaves and trees
- infection by inhalation of the spores
- disease manifestation depends on dose of the spores inhaled and the immune response of the host
what does disease manifestation of Aspergillosis depend on?
dose of spores inhaled and immune response of the host
what are the three major forms of Aspergillosis?
- bronchopulmonary allergic aspergillosis
- aspergilloma
- invasive aspergilllosis
what is Cryptococcosis caused by?
- yeast like fungus Cryptococcus neoformans
- worldwide distribution
what is Cryptococcosis spread by?
birds, esp. pigeons, in their droppings
what is the mechanism of entry of Cryptococcus neoformans entry into the body?
spores gain entry into the body through the respiratory tract, where they elicit a granulomatous reaction
what are clinical features of Cryptococcosis?
- pulmonary symptoms are uncommon
- meningitis is usual mode of presentation and often develops subacutely; HIV infection or lymphoma
- lung cavitation, hilar lymphadenopathy, pleural effusions and occasionally pulmonary fibrosis
- skin and bone involvement is rare
what is the diagnosis of Cryptococcosis?
- demonstrating organisms in appropriately stained tissue sections
- positive latex cryptococcal agglutinin test performed on CSF is diagnostic of cryptococcosis
what is the treatment of Cryptococcosis?
- liposomal amphotericin B alone or in combination with flucytosine for 2 weeks is followed by oral fluconazole 400mg OD
- therapy continued for 8 weeks if meningitis present
- fluconazole may be used
when is fluconazole used in treatment of Cryptococcosis?
- has greater CSF penetration
- used when toxicity is encountered with amphotericin B and flucytosine
- as maintenance therapy in immunocompromised patients, esp. those with HIV
what is Coccidioidomycosis caused by?
non-budding spherical form (spherule) of Coccidioides immitis
- soil saprophyte
- found in southern USA, Central America and parts of South America
how are humans infected by Coccidioidomycosis?
inhalation of thick-walled barrel-shaped spores called arthrospores
- epidemics of coccidioidomycosis have been documented after dust storms
what are clinical features of Coccidioidomycosis?
- most are asymptomatic
- acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis presents after an incubation of 10 days
- fever, malaise, cough and expectoration
- erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme, phlyctenular conjunctivitis and pleural effusions may occur
- pulmonary cavitation with haemoptysis, pulmonary fibrosis, meningitis lytic bone lesions, hepatosplenomegaly, skin ulcers and abscesses in severe disease
what is the diagnosis of Coccidioidomycosis?
- respiratory secretions
- can be cultured in specialist labs
- serological test: latex agglutination and precipitin tests (IgM); positive within 2 weeks of infection and decline after
- complement fixation, ELISA and radioimmunoassay
- complement fixation test (IgG) on CSF is diagnostic of coccidioidomycosis meningitis; positive within 4-6 weeks
how is coccidioidomycosis detected?
conversion of a skin test using coccidiodin (extract from a culture of mycelial growth of C. immitis) from negative to positive
what is coccidiodin?
extract from a culture of mycelial growth of C. immitis
what is the treatment of coccidioidomycosis?
- mild pulmonary infections are self limiting and need no treatment
- progressive and disseminated disease needs urgent therapy
- ketoconazole, itraconazole or fluconazole for 6 months is used for primary pulmonary disease
- more prolonged courses for cavitating or fibronodular disease
- fluconazole in high dose (600-1000mg daily) for meningitis
- voriconazole and posaconazole for poor response
- surgical excision of cavitatory pulmonary lesions or localised bone lesions may be needed
what is Blastomycosis caused by?
systemic infection caused by biphasic fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis
- in North America, South America, India and Middle East
what are clinical features of Blastomycosis?
- involves skin: non-itchy papular lesions that later develop into ulcers with red verrucous margins
- ulcers initially confined to exposed parts of the body but later involve unexposed parts as well
- atrophy and scarring may occur
- pulmonary involvement presents as a solitary lesion resembling a malignancy or gives rise to radiological features similar to TB
- fever, malaise, cough and weight loss
- bone lesions common and present as painful swelling
what is the diagnosis of Blastomycosis?
- organism is demonstrated in histological sections or by culture
- results can be negative in 30-50% of cases
- enzyme immunoassay may be helpful, but there is some cross-reactivity of antibodies to blastomyces with histoplasma
what is the treatment of Blastomycosis?
- itraconazole for mild to moderate disease in the immunocompetent for up to 6 months
- ketoconazole or fluconazole also used
- amphotericin B indicated in severe or unresponsive disease and in the immunocompromised
what are types of Mucormycosis?
- invasive zygomycosis
- rhinocerebral mucormycosis
- subcutaneous zygomycosis
- other forms
what is invasive zygomycosis (mucormycosis) caused by? when does it occur?
- rare
- caused by several fungi, including Mucor spp., Rhizopus spp. and Absidia spp.
- severely ill patients
- vascular invasion with marked haemorrhagic necrosis
what are features of Rhinocerebral mucormycosis?
- most common form of Mucormycosis
- nasal stuffiness, facial pain and oedema and necrotic, black nasal turbinates
- rare
- mainly seen in diabetics with ketoacidosis
what are features of Subcutaneous zygomycosis?
brawny, woody infiltration involving the limbs, neck and trunk and rarely the pharynx and orbital regions in immunosuppressed patients
what are other forms of Mucormycosis?
pulmonary and disseminated infection (immunosuppressed) and GI infection (in malnutrition)
what is treatment of Mucormycosis?
- amphotericin B and sometimes judicious debridement
- oral saturated postassium iodide has been used in subcutaneous variety
what causes Sporotrichosis?
- caused by saprophytic fungus Sporothrix schenckii
- found worldwide
what are clinical features of Sporotrichosis?
- infection usually follows cutaneous inoculation
- at site of inoculation, a reddish, non-tender, maculopapular lesion develops (plaque sporotrichosis)
- pulmonary involvement and disseminated disease rarely occur
what is plaque sporotrichosis?
occurs at site of cutaneous inoculation with Sporothrix schenckii; reddish, non-tender, maculopapular lesion develops
what is treatment of Sporotrichosis?
itraconazole 100-200mg/day for 3-6 months is usually curative
what is Subcutaneous zygomycosis caused by?
- disease seen in the tropics
- caused by several filamentous fungi of the Basidobolus genus
what are clinical features of Subcutaneous zygomycosis?
- usually remains confined to the subcutaneous tissues and muscle fascia
- presents as a brawny, woody infiltration involving the limbs, neck and trunk
- pharyngeal and orbital regions affected in immunocompromised patients and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (less common)
- locally erosive
- may be fatal
what is the treatment of Subcutaneous zygomycosis?
- amphotericin B
- saturated potassium iodide solution given orally
what is Chromoblastomycosis caused by?
- caused by fungus of various genera including Phialophora, Wangella and Fonsecaea
- found in tropical and subtropical countries
what are the clinical features of Chromoblastomycosis?
- initially as a small papule, at site of previous injury
- papule persists for months before ulcerating
- later becomes warty and encrusted and gradually spreads
- satellite lesions may be present
- itching
what is treatment of Chromoblastomycosis?
- amphotericin B combined with itraconazole or voriconazole
- cryosurgery used to remove local lesions
what is Mycetoma (Madura foot) caused by?
- subcutaneous infection with fungi (Eumycetes spp.) or bacteria
- confined to tropics
what are clinical features of Mycetoma (Madura foot)?
- local swelling which may discharge through sinuses
- bone involvement may follow
what is treatment of Mycetoma (Madura foot)?
surgical debridement, combined with antimicrobials chosen according to the aetiological agent
what are features of Pneumocystis jiroveci infection?
- P. jiroveci is homologous with fungi
- associated with immunodeficiency states, esp. AIDS
what are features of Dermatophytosis?
- chronic fungal infections of keratinous structures such as the skin, hair or nails
- Trichophyton spp., Microsporum spp., Epidermophyton spp. and Candida spp. can also infect keratinous structures
what are clinical features of Malassezia infection?
- Malassezia spp. are found on the scalp and greasy skin
- responsible for seborrhoeic dermatitis, pityriasis versicolor (hypo- or hyperpigmented rash on trunk) and Malassezia folliculitis (itchy rash on back)
what is treatment of Malassezia infection?
topical antifungals or oral ketonazole if infection is refractory or more extensive
what is pre-erythrocytic sporogeny?
- sporozites that aren’t destroyed by immune response are taken up by the liver and multiply inside hepatocytes as merozoites
- infected hepatocytes rupture, releasing merozoites into blood where they’re taken up by erythrocytes
what parasites (malaria) may stay dormant in the liver?
- P. vivax and P. ovale stay dormant in the liver as hypnozoites
- may reactivate at any time subsequently, causing relapsing infection
what is erythrocytic schizogony?
multiply, changing from merozoite, to trophozoite, to schizont and finally appearing as 8-24 new merozoites
- erythrocyte ruptures, releasing the merozoites to infect further cells
how long does erythrocytic schizogony take?
48hrs in P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. ovale
72hrs in P. malariae
what cells do different malarial parasites attack?
- P. vivax and P. ovale attack reticulocytes and young erythrocytes
- P. malariae attacks older cells
- P. falciparum parasitizes any stage of erythrocyte
what are causes of anaemia in malaria infection?
- haemolysis of infected red cells
- haemolysis of non-infected red cells (blackwater fever)
- dyserythropoiesis
- splenomegaly and sequestration
- folate depletion
who is typical malaria seen in?
non-immune individuals; e.g. children in area, adults in hypoendemic areas and any visitors from non-malarious region
what is the normal incubation period of malaria?
10-21 days, but can be longer
what are symptoms of malaria?
- fever
- general malaise, headache, vomiting or diarrhoea
- fever may be continual or erratic; classical tertian or quartan fever only appears after a few days
- temp reaches 41
- rigors and drenching sweats
what are clinical features of P. vivax or P. ovale infection?
- usually mild illness (P. vivax can cause severe disease)
- anaemia develops slowly and may be tender hepatosplenomegaly
- spontaneous recovery in 2-6 weeks
- hypnozoites in liver can cause relapses
- repeated infections cause chronic ill health due to anaemia and hyperreactive splenomegaly
what are clinical features of P. malariae infection?
- mild illness
- runs a more chronic course
- parasitaemia may persist for years, with or without symptoms
- associated with glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome in children
what are clinical features of P. falciparum infection?
- causes self-limiting illness
- may cause serious complications; most deaths are due to this
- high parasitaemia indicates severe disease
- cerebral malaria and blackwater fever
what is parasitaemia?
> 1% of red cells infection
what are features of cerebral malaria?
- marked by diminished consciousness, confusion and convulsions
- often progress to coma and death
- untreated it’s universally fatal
what are features of blackwater fever?
- due to widespread intravascular haemolysis due to malaria
- affects both parasitised and unparasitised red cells, giving rise to dark urine
what is TSS? what are clinical features of it?
tropical splenomegaly syndrome/hyperreactive malarial splenomegaly
- seen in older children and adults in hyperendemic areas
- associated with exaggerated immune response to repeated malria infections
- anaemia, massive splenomegaly and elevated IgM levels
- malaria parasites are absent/scanty
- usually respond to prolonged treatment with prophylactic antimalarial drugs
when should malaria be considered?
- presenting with febrile illness in, or having left, a malarious area
- falciparum malaria unlikely to present more than 3 months after exposure, even if patient has been taking prophylaxis
- vivax malaria may cause symptoms up to a year later
how is malaria clinically diagnosed?
- identifying parasites on a Giemsa-stained thick or thin blood film
- 3 films should be examined before malaria is declared unlikely
- rapid antigen detection test for near-patient use
- serological tests are of no diagnostic value
- lumbar puncture may be needed to exclude bacterial infection
- overdiagnosed in endemic areas
what are CNS features of severe falciparum malaria?
- prostration
- cerebral malaria (coma convulsion = 3 seizures in 24hrs)
what are renal features of severe falciparum malaria?
- haemoglobinuria (blackwater fever)
- oliguria
- uraemia (serum creatinine >250umol/L) (acute tubular necrosis)
what blood features of severe falciparum malaria?
- severe anaemia (<50g/L) (haemolysis and dyserythropoiesis)
- disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
- bleeding e.g. retinal haemorrhages
what are respiratory features of severe falciparum malaria?
- tachypnoea
- acute respiratory distress syndrome
what are metabolic features of severe falciparum malaria?
- hypoglycaemia (<2mmol/L) (esp. in children)
- metabolic acidosis (blood pH <7.25)
what are GI/liver features of severe falciparum malaria?
- diarrhoea
- jaundice (bilirubin >50umol/L)
- splenic rupture
what are other features of severe falciparum malaria?
- shock; hypotensive and Gram-negative septicaemia
- hyperpyrexia
what is drug treatment of uncomplicated malaria P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae?
- chloroquine 600mg, 300mg 6hrs later, 300mg 24hrs later and 300mg 24hrs later OR ACT for 3 days
- plus primaquine 15mg for 2-3 weeks
what is drug treatment of uncomplicated malaria P. falciparum (adults, endemic zone)?
- ACT 3 days OR quinine + doxycycline 7 days
- plus primaquine 0.75mg/kg single dose
what is drug treatment of malaria P. falciparum (pregnant)?
1st trimester: quinine + doxycycline 7 days
2nd/3rd trimester: ACT 3 days
what is drug treatment of malaria P. falciparum (infants)?
- ACT 3 days; appropriate dose for body weight
- plus primaquine 0.75mg/kg single dose
what is drug treatment of malaria P. falciparum (returning traveller)?
atovaquone-proguanil or quinine + doxycycline 7 days
what is ACT?
artemisinin-based combination therapy
- recommended oral treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria worldwide
what indicates severe falciparum malaria?
- presence of any complications
- parasite count above 1% in a non-immune patient
what are the latest WHO guidelines for severe falciparum malaria?
- IV artesunate is more effective than IV quinine and should be used when possible; absorption from IM injection is less reliable than from IV injection
- intensive care facilities may be needed, including mechanical ventilation and dialysis
- severe anaemia may need transfusion
- careful monitoring of fluid balance is essential; pulmonary oedema and prerenal failure are common
- hypoglycaemia can be induced by infection and by quinine treatment
- superadded bacterial infection is common
what are the fixed dose combination tablets of ACT for malaria?
- artemether-lumefantrine: 4 tablets BD for 3 days
- artesunate-amodiaquine: 4mg/kg per day artesunate for 3 days
- dihydroartemisin-piperaquine: 4mg/kg per day dihydroartemisinin for 3 days
what are fixed dose copackaged separate tablets of ACT for malaria?
- artesunate-mefloquine: 4mg/kg per day artesunate for 3 days
- artesunate-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine: 4mg/kg per day artesunate for 3 days
what are alternatives where no combination packages of ACT are available for malaria?
- artesunate + clindamycin: 2mg/kg per day + 10mg/kg BD for 7 days
- artesunate + doxyclycline: 2mg/kg per day + 3.5 mg/kg per day for 7 days
what are strategies for controlling malaria?
- aggressive control in highly endemic countries, to reduce mortality and decrease transmission
- progressive eradication at the endemic margins, to shrink the malaria map
- research into new vaccines, new drugs, new diagnostics and better ways of delivering malaria care
what is very heavy malaria infection?
parasitaemia >10%
what does control of malaria rely on?
- combination of case treatment
- vector eradication
- personal protection from vector bites, e.g. insecticide (permethrin) treated nets
how is mosquito eradication usually achieved?
- insecticides
- house spraying with DDT
- manipulation of habitat (e.g. marsh drainage)
what is an example of an insect repellent?
diethyltoluamide, DEET, 20-50% in lotions and sprays
what are the options, in order of preference of severe falciparum malaria?
- IV artesunate
- IV quinine
- IM artesunate
- IM artemether
- rectal artesunate
what is the immediate and subsequent dose of IV artesunate in treatment of severe falciparum malaria?
immediate: 2.4mg/kg
subsequent: 2.4mg/kg at 12 and 24hrs, then daily (up to 7 days)
what is the immediate and subsequent dose of IV quinine in treatment of severe falciparum malaria?
immediate: 20mg/kg
subsequent: 10mg/kg 8 hourly (up to 7 days)
what is the immediate and subsequent dose of IM artesunate in treatment of severe falciparum malaria?
immediate: 2.4mg/kg
subsequent: 2.4mg/kg at 12 and 24hrs, then daily (up to 7 days)
what is the immediate and subsequent dose of IM artemether in treatment of severe falciparum malaria?
immediate: 3.2mg/kg
subsequent: 1.6mg/kg daily
what is the immediate and subsequent dose of rectal artesunate in treatment of severe falciparum malaria?
immediate: 10mg/kg
subsequent: transfer to centre where parenteral therapy available
what is the prophylactic regimen and alternative for visit to areas with no chloroquine resistance?
- chloroquine 300mg weekly
- alternative: proguanil 200mg daily
what is the prophylactic regimen and alternative for
visit to areas with limited chloroquine resistance?
- chloroquine 300mg weekly + proguanil 200mg daily
- alternative: doxycycline 100mg daily OR malarone 1 tablet daily OR mefloquine 250mg weekly
what is the prophylactic regimen and alternative for visit to areas with significant chloroquine resistance?
- mefloquine 250mg weekly
- alternative: doxycycline 100mg daily OR malarone 1 tablet daily
what is sleeping sickness?
African trypanosomiasis
what is sleeping sickness caused by?
- caused by trypanosomes transmitted to humans by bite of the tsetse fly (genus Glossina)
- endemic in a belt across sub-Saharan Africa, extending to 14N and 20S (natural range of tsetse fly)
what are the two subspecies of trypanosome that cause sleeping sickness?
- Tryanosoma bruceigambiense (Gambian sleeping sickness)
- Trypanosoma b. rhodesiense (Rhodesian sleeping sickness)
what causes Gambian sleeping sickness?
Trypsanosoma bruceigambiense
what causes Rhodesian sleeping sickness?
T. b. rhodesiense
what is the epidemiology of Gambian sleeping sickness?
- found from Uganda in Central Africa, west to Senegal and south as far as Angola
- man is major reservoir and infection is transmitted by riverine Glossina species (e.g. G. palpalis)
what is the epidemiology of Rhodesian sleeping sickness?
- occurs in East and Central Africa from Ethiopia to Botswana
- zoonosis of both wild and domestic animals
- maintained in game animals and transmitted by savanna flies e.g. G. morsitans
- epidemics usually related to cattle and vectors are riverine flies
what is the parasitology of African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)?
- Tsetse flies bite during the day and both males and females take blood meals
- an infected insect may deposit metacyclic trypomastigotes (the infective form of the parasite) into the subcutaneous tissue
- cause local inflammation (trypanosomal chancre) and regional lymphadenopathy
- invade bloodstream within 2-3 weeks, then spread to all parts of the body including the brain
what is the infective form of African trypanosomiasis?
metacyclic trypomastigotes
what is trypanosomal chancre?
local inflammation caused by metacyclic trypomastigotes
what drugs are used in the treatment of African trypanosomiasis (T. b. gambiense)?
stage 1: pentamidine
stage 2 (CNS): eflornithin + nifurtimox; eflornithine monotherapy (melarsoprol)
what drugs are used in treatment of African trypanosomiasis (T. b. rhodesiense)?
stage 1: suramin
stage 2 (CNS): melarsoprol
what are clinical features of T. b. gambiense?
- causes a chronic, slowly progressive illness
- episodes of fever and lymphadenopathy occur over months or years and hepatosplenomegaly may develop
- infection eventually reaches the CNS, causing headache, behavioural changes, confusion and daytime somnolence
- progresses to tremors, ataxia, convulsions and hemiplegias
- eventually coma and death
what are histological features of T. b. gambiense?
lymphocytic meningoencephalitis, with scattered trypanosomes visible in the brain substance
what are clinical features of T. b. rhodesiense?
- more acute
- early systemic features: myocarditis, hepatitis and serous effusions and patients can die before the onset of CNS disease
- if they survive, cerebral involvement occurs within weeks of infection and is rapidly progressive
what is the diagnosis of African trypanosomiasis?
- may be seen on Giemsa-stained smears of thick or thin blood films, or of lymph node aspirate
- blood films usually positive in T. b. gambiense; concentration techniques may increase the yield
- serological tests useful for screening for infection
- CATT is robust and easy to use field assay
- examination of CSF
what is CATT?
card agglutination test for trypanosomiasis
what does CNS involvement of African trypanosomiasis cause?
causes lymphocytosis and elevated protein in the CSF and parasites may be seen in concentrated specimens
what is Chagas’ disease?
South American trypanosomiasis