PROTOZOAL INFECTIONS (based on Williams) Flashcards
What is the definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii?
“Cats”
How is Toxoplasma gondii transmitted to humans?
“By ingesting raw or undercooked meat with tissue cysts or consuming food. soil. or water contaminated with oocysts from cat feces.”
What are the two stages of the Toxoplasma gondii life cycle?
“Feline stage (in cats) and nonfeline stage (in intermediate hosts like humans).”
What is the primary immune response to Toxoplasma gondii infection?
“Humoral and cell-mediated immunity eliminate most parasites. but some form lifelong tissue cysts.”
What are the main risk factors for congenital toxoplasmosis?
“Acute maternal infection during pregnancy. immunocompromised status and lack of prior immunity.”
What is the estimated rate of vertical transmission of toxoplasmosis at 13. 26. and 36 weeks of gestation?
“15% at 13 weeks. 44% at 26 weeks and 71% at 36 weeks.”
What are the classic triad findings of congenital toxoplasmosis?
“Chorioretinitis. intracranial calcifications and hydrocephalus.”
What neonatal complications are associated with congenital toxoplasmosis?
“Low birth weight. hepatosplenomegaly. jaundice. anemia and neurological disease.”
What is the recommended screening approach for toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in the U.S.?
“Routine screening is not recommended except for immunocompromised gravidas or those with suspected infection.”
What is the gold standard for diagnosing toxoplasmosis?
“Toxoplasma Serologic Profile performed at the Dr. Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics.”
What does high-avidity IgG for Toxoplasma indicate?
“Infection within the last 3 to 5 months is excluded. confirming a latent infection.”
What are common ultrasound findings in congenital toxoplasmosis?
“Hydrocephaly. intracranial or hepatic calcifications. ascites. placental thickening. hyperechoic bowel and growth restriction.”
What is the recommended treatment for acute maternal toxoplasmosis early in pregnancy?
“Spiramycin. which reduces vertical transmission but does not treat fetal infection.”
What is the recommended treatment for suspected fetal toxoplasmosis or maternal infection after 18 weeks?
“Pyrimethamine plus sulfadiazine with folinic acid.”
What are the main prevention strategies for toxoplasmosis?
“Cooking meat thoroughly. washing fruits/vegetables. avoiding raw meat for cats. wearing gloves when handling cat litter.”
What species of Plasmodium cause malaria?
“Plasmodium falciparum- P. vivax- P. malariae - P. ovale - P. knowlesi
What are the main clinical symptoms of malaria?
“Fever. chills. flu-like symptoms. anemia. jaundice and in severe cases kidney failure. coma or death.”
Why are pregnant women more susceptible to malaria?
“Increased susceptibility due to altered immunity and accumulation of infected erythrocytes in the placenta.”
What are the major complications of malaria in pregnancy?
“Stillbirth. preterm birth. low birth weight. maternal anemia and placental parasitemia.”
What is the gold standard for diagnosing malaria?
“Microscopic evaluation of a blood smear.”
What is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria during pregnancy?
“Artemisinin-based therapy (e.g.
What prophylaxis is recommended for pregnant women traveling to malaria-endemic areas?
“Chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine; mefloquine if resistance is present.”
What is the causative agent of amebiasis?
“Entamoeba histolytica.”
What is the preferred treatment for amebic colitis in pregnancy?
“Tinidazole or metronidazole.”
What are the three main forms of anthrax?
“Inhalational. cutaneous and gastrointestinal anthrax.”
What is the fatality rate of inhalational anthrax even with treatment?
“High. due to severe respiratory distress
What are the three main bioterrorism-related bacterial infections?
“Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis). plague (Yersinia pestis) and tularemia (Francisella tularensis).”
What viral hemorrhagic fevers are considered potential bioterrorism threats?
“Ebola. Marburg. Lassa and Machupo viruses.”
What is the recommended delay for pregnancy after smallpox vaccination?
“At least 4 weeks.”
