Respiratory viruses and 'atypical' respiratory pathogens Flashcards
-The complexity of the various compartments of the respiratory tract, and the microbial agents which cause infections in this system. -The types of infection presenting in the respiratory system and their causes. (including common cold, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchiolitis) -Influenza as a major respiratory disease with worldwide significance. Focussing on: Nature of the disease, viral biology and complications. Classification of flu viruses Influenza as a recurring epidemic disease, due to
Types of respiratory infection
Surface
Systemic
Professional invaders
Secondary invaders
Surface respiratory infection plus example
Local spread
Short incubation
E.g. common cold, candida
Systemic respiratory infection plus example
Spreads from mucosal site of entry to other site in body
Returns to surface for final shedding stage
Longer incubation - weeks
E.g. measles, mumps, rubella
Professional invaders
Infect healthy respiratory tract
Secondary invaders
Infect compromised tract
Infections of the nasopharynx
Rhinitis and sinusitis: the common cold
- caused by various viruses
- self-limiting and not systemic in healthy people
- identification usually not necessary unless clinical symptoms worsen - involvement of LRT
- molecular methods most common for ID, epidemiological info only
Treatment of Rhinitis and sinusitis
No vaccines
Treatment symptomatic
Mechanism infection of the nasopharynx (SEE PIC)
lytic infection
I. Adhere to cilia or microvilli on mucosal epithelial cells - avoid flushing
II. Infect cells, spread to neighbouring area
III. Inflammatory response results in classic ‘cold’ symptoms
Common cold viruses
Rhinoviruses (>100 types) Coxackie virus A Influenza virus Parainfluenza virus Respiratory syncytial virus Coronaviruses Adenovirus Echovirus
Attachment mechanism rhinoviruses
Capsid protein binds to ICAM-1 type molecule on cell
Attachment mechanism influenza virus
Hemagglutinin binds to neuraminic acid-containing glycoprotein on cell
Adenovirus
Icosohedral symmetry, non-enveloped - resistant to desiccation
-resistance to environment promotes efficient transmission
Attach via adhesins on end of penton fibres
dsDNA
Pharyngitis and tonsilitis
70% caused by viruses
-similar viruses as common cold
Common complication of common colds due to surrounding infections
Also site of entry of EBV and mumps virus (before dispersal around body)
Mumps
Paramyxovirus
Air-borne spread (saliva etc.)
Commonly spread and contracted in school age children
Most children now vaccinated - MMR
MMR fear > occurrence in UK for number of years
Complications of mumps
Include Orchitis
- inflammation of testicles
- painful especially in adult men
Laryngitis and tracheitis
Often caused by parainfluenza viruses, adenovirus and influenza
Burning pain in larynx and trachea
Can become obstructed easily in children - croup
-specific type of cough with stridor inhalation
Caused by serious narrowing of airway
Bronchitis and bronchiolitis causes
Several viral causes: Rhinoviruses, coronaviruses (SARs), adnoviruses and influenza
Atypical pathogens: Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Many 2. infections
-especially in children
-narrow airways
- –> bronchiolitis and pneumonia
75% bronchiolitis caused by Respiratory Synctial Virus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) transmission
Aerosol and hand-hand/ surfaces
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) pathology
Creates large fused cells
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) epidemiology
Outbreaks in winter months
Nearly all children have been infected by age 2- but often nothing more serious than common cold
Severe in young infants- peak mortality 3 months of age (why?)
RSV in infants - symptoms
Cough
Cyanosis
Rapid RR
–> Penumonia and bronchiolitis
RSV in older children and adults - symptoms
More like common cold
RSV treatment
Supportive
-hydration
-bronchiodilators
Severe cases require ribavirin antiviral or Palivizumab-prophylactic in at risk groups (e.g. prem babies at risk (heart defect, lung disease, immunodef., in season)
Influenza virus name
Orthomyxoviridae