Respiratory Infection Flashcards
What are some risk factors for acute respiratory infection related to the immune system?
Poor nutrition, young children, elderly.
What factors contribute to the risk of acute respiratory infection related to socioeconomic conditions?
Poverty and poor access to basic amenities.
What is a factor that can increase the risk of acute respiratory infection?
Smoke pollution.
What environmental factor can contribute to the spread of acute respiratory infection?
Overcrowding.
Which population group is at an increased risk of acute respiratory infection due to immunocompromise?
Individuals with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
What are the primary defense mechanisms in the lower airways against pathogens?
Cilia and the mucociliary escalator (MCE), and alveolar macrophages.
What roles do alveolar macrophages play in the immune response against respiratory infections?
They secrete antimicrobials, engulf and kill pathogens, recruit other immune cells, and process and present antigens to T cells.
Which components of the immune system are essential for combating intracellular pathogens in the respiratory system?
B cell and T cell responses.
How does IgA secretion contribute to the defense against respiratory infections?
IgA secreted by plasma cells interferes with adherence and viral assembly.
What is inflammation, and what are its macroscopic manifestations?
Inflammation is the body’s response to insult. Macroscopic manifestations include redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function.
What are the microscopic changes associated with inflammation?
Microscopic changes include vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and inflammatory cell infiltration.
How can inflammation be classified based on its duration?
Inflammation can be classified as acute or chronic.
Name some commensal bacteria commonly found in the mouth.
Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
What are some commensal microorganisms present in the sinus/nasal passages?
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), and rhinovirus.
Which microorganism is a common commensal in the throat, including strains that are methicillin-resistant?
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, leading to coughing and mucus production.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs, leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.
What is pulmonary tuberculosis?
Pulmonary tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs and leading to symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, and weight loss.
What is empyema?
Empyema is a collection of pus in the pleural cavity, often resulting from a bacterial infection, and causing symptoms like chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Name some viral infections of the respiratory tract.
Influenza, rhinovirus, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).
What virus causes the common cold, resulting in nasal discharge?
Rhinovirus is a common virus that causes the common cold, characterized by symptoms such as runny nose and congestion.
What bacterial pathogen is commonly associated with tonsillitis?
Streptococcus Group A is a common bacterial pathogen associated with tonsillitis, causing symptoms such as sore throat, swollen tonsils, and difficulty swallowing.
Which bacterial pathogens are commonly associated with bronchitis?
Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
What virus is primarily responsible for bronchiolitis, especially in infants?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main cause of bronchiolitis in infants
Name some bacterial pathogens commonly associated with pneumonia.
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Which virus is the most common cause of the common cold?
Rhinovirus is the most common viral cause of the common cold, responsible for about 30-50% of cases.
What percentage of common colds are caused by human coronaviruses?
Human coronaviruses cause about 10 to 15 percent of common colds.
What is the role of bradykinin in causing symptoms of a cold?
Bradykinin causes a sore throat and nasal congestion by promoting vasodilation.