Microbiology - GI Parasites - James L. Vossler Flashcards
How is giardia transmitted?
Cysts!
Fecal-oral
What is the diagnostic test for giardia?
Trophozoites in the stool
Stool O&P test
ELISA stool antigen test
How is giardiasis treated?
Metronidazole
What are the symptoms of giardiasis?
Steatorrhea
How is entaemoeba histolytica transmitted?
Contaminated water, cysts
What is one patient population to be concerned about w/r/t Entaemoeba histolytica?
MSM bc of anal-oral transmission
What is the most common site for an amoebic liver abscess?
Right lobe of lover
What parasite causes RUQ pain and an enlarged tender liver?
Entaemoeba histolytica
Abscess described as having “anchovy paste” consistency
What is intestinal amebiasis?
Ulcerations in colon caused by Entaemoeba histolytica;
Causes bloody diarrhea
How is Entaemoeba histolytica diagnosed?
Stool O&P to look for trophozoites or cysts
Trophozoites have endocytosed RBCs
Intestinal biopsy may show flask-shaped lesions
How is Entaemoeba histolytica treated?
Metronidazole;
Luminal agents - Paramycin and Lodoqional - to eliminate cysts
In what population does Cryptosporidium cause severe, unrelenting diarrhea?
AIDS patients
In immunocompetent - causes mild, watery diarrhea
What is unique about Cryptosporidium as a parasite w/r/t staining?
It is partially acid-fast;
Looks like amethyst crytsals
What is the mode of transmission of Cryptosporidium?
Fecal oral, dirty water;
Infectious cysts get passed through watery stool
How does Cryptosporidium infect?
Sporozoites attach to intenstinal wall and cause diarrhea and small intestine damage
What is the treatment for Cryptosporidium?
Nitazoxanide treatment;
Spiramycin (not in US)
Why is filtration of water a better option for removing Crypto?
Because Crypto is resistant to chlorination
Enterobius vermicularis is aka:
Pinworm
How is Enterobius vermicularis transmitted?
Fecal oral
Buttscratchers, children
How is Enterobius vermicularis treated?
Albendazole
A MT inhibitor
Do not give to pregnant women
Where are Ancyclostoma duodenale and Necator americanus found?
Southern U.S.
Hookworms
How are Ancyclostoma duodenale and Necator americanus transmitted?
Through the soles of the feet
Blood stream –> lungs –> GI tract
What is one major effect on infection with Ancyclostoma duodenale and Necator americanus?
Iron deficiency anemia
How do you diagnose infection with Ancyclostoma duodenale and Necator americanus?
Eosinophilia;
Eggs in stool
How is infection with Ancyclostoma duodenale and Necator americanus treated?
Albendazole (A MT inhibitor
Do not give to pregnant women);
Pyrantel pamoate
What kind of parasite is Ascaris lumbricoides?
Roundworm
Blood stream –> lungs –> GI tract
Of the parasites that travel into the lungs, which is the most likely to have respiratory symptoms attached to it?
Ascaris lumbricoides
What is the major complication of infection with Ascaris lumbricoides?
GI obstruction
How is infection with Ascaris lumbricoides diagnosed?
Eosinophilia, eggs in stool
How is infection with Ascaris lumbricoides treated?
Albendazole
A MT inhibitor
Do not give to pregnant women
How is Strongyloides Stercoralis transmitted?
Feet, an also auto-infect once in intestinal wall;
Blood stream –> lungs –> GI tract
How is infection with Strongyloides Stercoralis diagnosed?
Larvae in stool, but not eggs;
Eosinophilia
How is Strongyloides Stercoralis treated?
Albendazole (A MT inhibitor
Do not give to pregnant women);
Ivermectin
Where is Trichinella spiralis found?
Undercooked meat like pork or bear
What are the symptoms of infection with Trichinella spiralis?
Fever, vomiting, periorbital edema, severe myalgias due to larvae forming cysts in striated muscle cells
How is Trichinella spiralis treated?
Albendazole
A MT inhibitor
Do not give to pregnant women
What is the common name for Taenia saginana?
Beef tapeworm
What is the common name for Taenia Solium?
Pig tapeworm
What parasite is responsible for neurocysticercosis?
Taenia eggs transmitted by water contaminated by animal feces
What are the symptoms/findings in neurocysticercosis?
Swiss cheese looking brain;
Seizures;
Hydrocephalus
How do you treat infection with Taenia species?
Praziquantel;
Add Albendazole for neurocystercersosis
What is the transmission for Diphyllobothrium latum?
Eating uncooked or undercooked fish
Diphyllobothrium latum is associated with diarrhea, due to its setting up shop in the intestine, as well as what deficiency?
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) Megaloblastic anemia
What is the longest tapeworm?
Diphyllobothrium latum (fish)
How is infection with Diphyllobothrium latum diagnosed?
Proglottid segments seen on stool O&P
How is infection with Diphyllobothrium latum treated?
Praziquantal
Niclosamide
