Respiratory Tract Infection Flashcards
What is specific Ab in upper tract?
IgA
What is the specific Ab in lower tract?
IgE
Describe the muco-ciliary escalator defence
Goblet cells produce mucus which traps pathogens
Constant beating of cilia push pathogens upwards + out
What also happens to enhance removal of pathogens?
Coughing + sneezing propel pathogens out of the body
Describe the alveolar macrophage defence
Don’t proliferate + divide
Just remain at steady state in alveoli
ONLY renew in inflammation
What is contained in the normal biota in the respiratory tract?
Gram-positive bacteria
eg. streptococci + staphylococci
When does gram-positive bacteria become harmful in the respiratory tract of biota?
Host becomes immunocompromised
OR
Transferred to other hosts
What are the upper respiratory diseases?
Rhinitis
Sinusitis
Acute otitis media
Pharyngitis/ tonsilitis
What is rhinitis known as?
Common cold
What are the symptoms of rhinitis?
Sneezing
Scratchy throat
Runny nose
What is the cause organism of rhinitis?
Viruses
What is the mode of transmission of rhinitis?
Indirect contact
Droplet contact
What are the virulence factors for rhinitis?
Attachment proteins
What is the diagnosis for rhinitis?
NOT necessary
What is the prevention of rhinitis?
Hygiene control
What is the treatment for rhinitis?
Symptoms only
What is sinusitis caused by?
Allergy or bacteria
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
Nasal congestion
Facial swelling
Discharge green or yellow = bacteria
Discharge clear = allergy
What happens in acute otitis media (ear infection)?
Inflammation of Eustachian tubes = build up of fluid in middle ear
= bacteria can migrate
= puss production + fluid secretion
What is chronic otitis media?
When fluid remains in middle ear for indefinite periods of time
What are the symptoms of otitis media?
Pain in ear
Loss of hearing
Untreated = eardrum rupture
What is pharyngitis?
Inflammation of the throat
What are the symptoms of pharyngitis?
Pain + swelling
White packets of inflammatory products
Foul-smelling breath
What can cause pharyngitis?
Bacteria = streptococcus pyogenes
Most severe
Viruses
What is the mode of transmission for pharyngitis?
Droplet or direct contact
What is the diagnosis for pharyngitis?
Beta-hemolytic on blood agar
What is the prevention for pharyngitis?
Hygiene partcices
What is the treatment for pharyngitis?
Bacteria treatment only
Penicillin, cephalexin = penicillin allergy
What are the distinctive features in pharyngitis?
Bacteria = more severe
Virus = hoarseness
What are diseases that affect the upper and lower respiratory tract?
Whopping cough
Respiratory syncytial virus (RVS)
Influenza
Covid
What is whooping cough known as?
Pertussis
What are the 2 stages of whooping cough?
Catarrhal = UPPER
Paroxysmal = LOWER
Describe catarrhal stage
Cold symptoms
Lasts 1-2 weeks
Describe paroxysmal stage
Severe + uncontrollable coughing
Burst blood vessels in eyes + vomiting
Long recovery