Protozoa, NPP, PAM, & Flagellates Flashcards
Why should we learn about NPP’s?
indicates fecal-oral contamination
potential infection with other fecal associated pathogens
How can Entamoeba dispar be differentiated from E. histolytica?
differences only at a molecular level
What are the sizes of the E. hartmani trophozoite and cyst?
troph = 12-14 microns cyst = 5-9 microns
Where do E. coli trophozoites live?
large intestine
How large are the trophozoites from E.coli?
25 microns
What does the nucleus of trophozoites from E.coli look like?
peripheral chromatin - clumped
endosome - large, ecentric
What is the size of the E.coli cyst?
17 microns
How many nuclei are in the mature cyst of E.coli?
1, 2, 4 nuclei
Describe the chromatoidal bar found in E.coli.
splintered ends
Where is E. gingivalis found in the human?
teeth & gums - safe pockets to reside in
What stage is E. gingivalis transmitted and how can transmission occur?
infection by transmission of trophozoites:
direct - kissing
indirect - sharing utensils
How can E. gingivalis be identified?
morphology is similar to E. histolytica - main difference in habitat (histolytica is in lungs)
possiblity that E. histolytica can be found in the mouth after coughin
What is the size of Endolimax nana?
smallest amoeba in humans
Describe the structure of the nucleus and speed of the trophozoite’s movement in Endolimax
9 microns
no peripheral chromatin
large, centric endosome
moves very slowly - “dwarf internal slug”
How many nuclei are in the cyst of Endolimax?
4
How large is the trophozoite of Iodamoeba butschlii?
10 microns
Describe the nucleus of Iodamoeba butschlii.
large endosome surrounded by chromatin grandules
“halo” formation
What shape is the cyst in Iodamoeba butschlii?
oval
What structure in the Iodamoeba butschlii cyst stains with iodine?
large glycogen vacuole
How many nuclei are in the Iodamoeba butschlii cyst?
one
What is facultative parasitism?
may resort to parasitic activity, but does not absolutely rely on any host for completion of its life cycle
Where does Naegleria fowleri normally live?
found worldwide:
soil, warm freshwater ponds & lakes
heated swimming pools
What happens when the Naegleria fowleri organism enters the human nose?
migrate along olfactory nerves & reach brain
What does Naegleria fowleri do in the brain?
secrete enzymes
cause hemorrhage & necrosis of brain tissue
What disease state does Naegleria fowleri cause?
meningitis & encephalitis
PAM - primary amoebic meningoencephalitis
How often does PAM occur?
rare, very serious
What are the symptoms of PAM?
stiff neck, headache
light sensitive, fever, seizures
How can diagnosis of PAM be made?
lumbar puncture - trophs found in cerebrospinal fluid
What drugs are used to treat Naegleria fowleri infection?
Amphotericin B - antifungal, binds to & disrupts troph plasma membrane
Rifampin - antibiotic, dirupts transcription
miconazole - antigfungal
How can Naegleria fowleri infection be controlled?
nose clips or face mask - prevent water from getting up nose
blow out water forcefully out of nose
pools - chlorine
neti pot - used to flush out sinuses by pushing water through water, make sure water is clean and safe (boil)
Where are Acanthamoeba spp found?
soil and water
What is GAE?
Grandulomatous Amoebic Encephaltis
trophs enter host via perivascular route - crawl along outside of blood vessels to CNS
damange is less severe than PAM
What is acanthamoebic keratitis?
infection of skin
contamination through soil contact
What is acanthamoebic uveitis?
infection of eye
contamination into contact lenses
can lead to blindness, loss of eye if not treated
How is Acenthamoeba infection diagnosed and treated?
trophs is cerebrospinal fluid, skin, eye
location can indicate the spp
treatment is same as PAM
What is the function of a flagellum?
allows a cell to move
In which phylum are the flagellates classified?
Metamonada
Where are flagellates generally found in the human host?
digestive and reproductive tracts
Why is infection with Giardia lamblia sometimes called Beaver Fever?
beaver is the reservoir host
How many nuclei are in the mature Giardia lamblia cyst?
2
Trace the life cycle of the Giardia lamblia parasite.
*
What effect does the Giardia lamblia parasite have on the host intestine?
intestinal damage, lesions
What is steatorrhea?
fat in feces - smells really bad
How is infection with G. lamblia diagnosed?
cysts in feces
aspirate fluid from SI to check for trophs
entero-test: string test (less invasive)
How can G. lamblia infection be treated?
Metronidazole (Flagyl) - inhibits DNA synthesis
How can G. lamblia infection be prevented?
drinking water - sand filtration
campers should treat water before drinking
A recurrent flagellum often forms a(n) ________.
an undulating membrane. The flagellum is attached to the membrane thus the membrane moves as it moves back and forth pull on it.
Do the trichomonads have mitochondria?
no
What is a hydrogenosome?
organelle that metaboliza pyruvate - form ATP
end product is H2
What stage(s) occur(s) in a trichomonas life cycle?
no cyst stage
Where in females and males is Trichomonas vaginalis found?
males - asymptomatic
females - vagina
How is the acidic pH of the vagina maintained?
lactic acid producing bacteria
Why does the pH go up in a T. vaginalis infection?
T.v. feeds on lactic acid producing bacteria
What pathology does T. vaginalis cause in males and females?
inflammation of vaginal epithelium
pain, itching, leucorrhea (mucus)
Describe transmission of T. vaginalis.
direct contact - sexual
indirect contact - sharing towels, underwear
newborns infected when passing through vagina - troph enters through eyes
Describe diagnosis of T. vaginalis.
females - vaginal discharges, urine
male - prostate secretions, urine
Describe treatment of T. vaginalis.
metronidazole
condom to prevent further sexual transmission
