Set 2 Flashcards

1
Q
A
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2
Q

What is Listeria monocytogenes, and where is it commonly found?

A
  • Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacillus.
  • Motile at 22-25°C with “rocket-like” tumbling motility.
  • Commonly found in soil, water, vegetables, and animal products.
  • Can survive and grow in refrigerated conditions.
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3
Q

What diseases are primarily caused by Listeria monocytogenes?

A
  • Listeriosis: Can manifest as:
    • Septicemia: Bloodstream infection.
    • Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
    • Fetal Infections: Including miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal sepsis.
  • Gastroenteritis: Mild infection with diarrhea and vomiting, mainly in immunocompromised individuals.
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4
Q

How is Listeria monocytogenes transmitted?

A
  • Foodborne Route: Consumption of contaminated foods such as:
    • Unpasteurized dairy products.
    • Soft cheeses.
    • Raw vegetables.
    • Processed meats (e.g., deli meats, hot dogs).
  • Vertical Transmission: From mother to fetus during pregnancy.
  • Person-to-Person: Rare, primarily via direct contact with infected individuals.
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5
Q

What are the clinical features of listeriosis?

A
  • Septicemia and Meningitis:
    • Fever, muscle aches, confusion.
    • Neck stiffness, headache, loss of balance.
  • Fetal Infections:
    • Miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal sepsis.
  • Gastroenteritis:
    • Diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting.
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6
Q

What are the risk factors for developing Listeria monocytogenes infection?

A
  • Pregnancy: Increased susceptibility; can affect the fetus.
  • Elderly Individuals: Weakened immune systems.
  • Immunocompromised Persons: Including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or on immunosuppressive therapy.
  • Newborns: Particularly premature or low birth weight infants.
  • Consumption of High-Risk Foods: Such as unpasteurized dairy products and processed meats.
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7
Q

How is Listeria monocytogenes infection diagnosed?

A
  • Clinical Evaluation: Based on symptoms and risk factors.
  • Laboratory Tests:
    • Blood Cultures: Positive in cases of septicemia.
    • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: For meningitis diagnosis.
    • Stool Culture: In cases of gastroenteritis.
  • Molecular Methods: PCR for rapid and specific identification.
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8
Q

What treatments are effective against Listeria monocytogenes infections?

A
  • Antibiotic Therapy:
    • Ampicillin: First-line treatment.
    • Gentamicin: Often combined with ampicillin for synergistic effect.
    • Vancomycin: Alternative for those allergic to beta-lactams.
  • Supportive Care: Includes hydration and management of symptoms.
  • Antibiotic Duration: Typically 2-3 weeks for invasive infections.
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9
Q

What are the prevention measures for Listeria monocytogenes infections?

A
  • Food Safety Practices:
    • Proper Cooking: Thoroughly cook meat and poultry.
    • Pasteurization: Use pasteurized dairy products.
    • Refrigeration: Maintain adequate cold storage to inhibit bacterial growth.
    • Avoid High-Risk Foods: Especially for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
  • Hygiene:
    • Handwashing: After handling raw foods.
    • Cross-Contamination Prevention: Use separate utensils and surfaces for raw and cooked foods.
  • Public Health Measures:
    • Surveillance and Monitoring: To detect and control outbreaks.
    • Education: Informing high-risk populations about safe food practices.
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10
Q

What are the key virulence factors of Listeria monocytogenes?

A
  • Internalin Proteins (InlA and InlB): Facilitate entry into host cells.
  • ActA Protein: Promotes actin-based motility for cell-to-cell spread.
  • Listeriolysin O (LLO): Pore-forming toxin that allows escape from phagosomes.
  • Phospholipases: Aid in membrane disruption and spread within tissues.
  • Capsular Polysaccharides: Enhance immune evasion.
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11
Q

What are the public health implications of Listeria monocytogenes?

A
  • High-Risk Populations: Pregnant women, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals require special attention.
  • Food Industry Impact: Contaminated products can lead to recalls and economic losses.
  • Antibiotic Resistance Concerns: Although generally susceptible, monitoring for resistant strains is essential.
  • Bioterrorism Potential: Due to its ability to cause severe disease, though less common than other pathogens.
  • Surveillance Systems: Importance of monitoring and rapid response to outbreaks to minimize impact.
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12
Q

What is Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and where is it commonly found?

A
  • Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, club-shaped bacillus.
  • Facultative anaerobe.
  • Commonly found in the human respiratory tract as a colonizer.
  • Can survive on dry surfaces for weeks, facilitating transmission.
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13
Q

What disease is primarily caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae?

A
  • Diphtheria: A respiratory and cutaneous disease characterized by the production of diphtheria toxin.
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14
Q

How is Corynebacterium diphtheriae transmitted?

A
  • Person-to-Person Contact: Through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.
  • Contaminated Objects: Sharing personal items like towels or utensils.
  • Skin Lesions: Through direct contact with infected wounds in cutaneous diphtheria.
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15
Q

What are the clinical features of diphtheria?

A
  • Respiratory Diphtheria:
    • Pseudomembrane Formation: Greyish membrane on the tonsils, pharynx, or nasopharynx.
    • Sore Throat, Fever, Swollen Glands, Difficulty Breathing.
    • Systemic Effects: Myocarditis, neuropathy due to diphtheria toxin.
  • Cutaneous Diphtheria:
    • Ulcerative Lesions with gray membranes on the skin.
    • Common in tropical regions and among immunocompromised individuals.
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16
Q

What are the key virulence factors of Corynebacterium diphtheriae?

A
  • Diphtheria Toxin:
    • Exotoxin that inhibits protein synthesis in host cells by ADP-ribosylating EF-2, leading to cell death.
    • Responsible for systemic complications like myocarditis and neuropathy.
  • Pili and Adhesins: Facilitate attachment to host epithelial cells.
  • Cell Wall Components: Dimorphic properties aiding in immune evasion.
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17
Q

How is Corynebacterium diphtheriae infection diagnosed?

A
  • Clinical Evaluation: Presence of pseudomembrane, symptoms of diphtheria.
  • Laboratory Tests:
    • Culture: Grows on Loeffler’s medium or Tellurite agar (gray colonies).
    • PCR: Detection of tox gene encoding diphtheria toxin.
    • Elek’s Test: Immunodiffusion assay to confirm toxin production.
  • Serological Tests: Measurement of antitoxin antibodies.
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18
Q

What treatments are effective against Corynebacterium diphtheriae infections?

A
  • Antitoxin Administration:
    • Diphtheria antitoxin: Neutralizes free toxin; must be given early.
  • Antibiotic Therapy:
    • Penicillin G or Erythromycin: To eliminate bacterial carriage and prevent toxin production.
  • Supportive Care:
    • Airway Management: In cases of airway obstruction.
    • Cardiac Monitoring: For myocarditis.
  • Isolation: To prevent transmission to others.
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19
Q

What are the prevention measures for Corynebacterium diphtheriae infections?

A
  • Vaccination:
    • Diphtheria Vaccine: Part of the DTaP and Td vaccines; induces antitoxin antibodies.
  • Hygiene Practices:
    • Handwashing and respiratory etiquette to reduce spread.
  • Surveillance and Control:
    • Contact Tracing and prophylactic antibiotics for exposed individuals.
  • Public Health Measures:
    • Rapid Identification and isolation of cases to prevent outbreaks.
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20
Q

What are the risk factors for developing diphtheria?

A
  • Lack of Vaccination: Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals.
  • Close Contact with Infected Persons: Living in crowded conditions.
  • Travel to Endemic Areas: Regions with low vaccination coverage.
  • Weakened Immune System: Immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible.
  • Poor Hygiene: Increases transmission likelihood.
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21
Q

What are the public health implications of Corynebacterium diphtheriae?

A
  • Outbreak Potential: Highly contagious with rapid spread in susceptible populations.
  • Vaccination Programs: Essential for prevention; resurgence possible if vaccination rates decline.
  • Bioterrorism Concern: Diphtheria toxin can be used as a biological weapon, necessitating preparedness.
  • Healthcare Burden: Requires prompt treatment and isolation measures to control transmission.
  • Global Health Disparities: Higher incidence in developing countries with limited vaccination infrastructure.
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22
Q

What is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and where is it commonly found?

A
  • Gram-positive, acid-fast, slow-growing bacillus.
  • Obligate Aerobe: Requires oxygen for growth.
  • Environmental Presence: Primarily found in the human respiratory tract.
  • Transmission: Spread through airborne droplets from infected individuals.
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23
Q

What disease is primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

A
  • Tuberculosis (TB): A chronic infectious disease affecting primarily the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also affect other body parts (extrapulmonary TB).
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24
Q

What are the key virulence factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

A
  • Mycolic Acids: Long-chain fatty acids in the cell wall that provide resistance to desiccation, chemicals, and immune responses.
  • Cord Factor (Trehalose Dimycolate): Facilitates intracellular survival and tissue necrosis.
  • ESAT-6 and CFP-10 Proteins: Involved in macrophage lysis and immune evasion.
  • Phthiocerol Dimycocerosate (PDIM): Affects membrane permeability and immune modulation.
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25
How is Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmitted?
* Airborne Transmission: Inhalation of droplet nuclei containing bacilli expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. * Close Contact: Higher risk among household members, healthcare workers, and individuals in crowded settings. * Latent Infection: Inhaled bacilli can remain dormant within granulomas without causing active disease.
26
What are the clinical features of tuberculosis?
* Pulmonary TB: * Chronic Cough: Lasting more than 3 weeks. * Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood. * Night Sweats, Fever, and Weight Loss. * Chest Pain and Fatigue. * Extrapulmonary TB: * Lymphadenitis: Swollen lymph nodes. * Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges. * Spondylitis: Infection of the spine. * Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium.
27
How is Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection diagnosed?
* Clinical Evaluation: Based on symptoms and exposure history. * Tuberculin Skin Test (Mantoux Test): Intradermal injection of PPD antigen to detect immune response. * Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): Blood tests measuring immune cell response to TB antigens. * Chest X-Ray: Identifies lung abnormalities such as cavities and infiltrates. * Sputum Smear Microscopy: Ziehl-Neelsen stain to detect acid-fast bacilli. * Culture: Growth on Lowenstein-Jensen medium is definitive but slow (weeks). * Molecular Tests: PCR-based assays for rapid DNA detection and drug resistance profiling.
28
What treatments are effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections?
* First-Line Antibiotics: * Isoniazid * Rifampin * Ethambutol * Pyrazinamide * Treatment Regimen: * Initial Phase: Combination of Isoniazid, Rifampin, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide for 2 months. * Continuation Phase: Isoniazid and Rifampin for an additional 4-7 months. * Directly Observed Therapy (DOT): Ensures compliance and prevents resistance. * Second-Line Drugs: For drug-resistant TB, including Fluoroquinolones and Injectables like Amikacin.
29
What are the prevention measures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections?
* Vaccination: * BCG Vaccine (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin): Provides partial protection against severe forms of TB in children. * Infection Control in Healthcare Settings: * Isolation Rooms: For infected patients. * Respiratory Protection: Use of N95 respirators by healthcare workers. * Ventilation Systems: Ensure negative pressure rooms to prevent airborne spread. * Public Health Measures: * Contact Tracing: Identify and test individuals exposed to infected persons. * Screening Programs: Regular testing in high-risk populations. * Reducing Transmission: * Adequate Ventilation: In living and working spaces. * Mask-Wearing: In high-risk settings or during outbreaks. * Addressing Social Determinants: * Improving Living Conditions: Reducing overcrowding and malnutrition. * Access to Healthcare: Ensuring early diagnosis and treatment.
30
What are the risk factors for developing tuberculosis?
* Immunocompromised States: * HIV/AIDS * Diabetes Mellitus * Organ Transplant Recipients * Close Contact: Living or working with TB-infected individuals. * Substance Abuse: Including smoking and injecting drugs. * Malnutrition: Weakens the immune system. * Geographical Location: Higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. * Age: Elderly and young children are more susceptible. * Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, homelessness, and overcrowded living conditions.
31
What are the public health implications of Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
* Global Health Burden: * High Prevalence: Especially in developing countries. * Leading Cause of Death: Among infectious diseases globally. * Antibiotic Resistance: * Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB): Resistant to Isoniazid and Rifampin. * Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB): Resistant to first-line and some second-line drugs. * Economic Impact: * Healthcare Costs: Long treatment durations and resource-intensive management. * Lost Productivity: Due to illness and death. * Infection Control Challenges: * Ensuring Treatment Adherence: To prevent relapse and resistance. * Stigma: Associated with TB can hinder seeking treatment. * Bioterrorism Potential: * High Infectiousness: M. tuberculosis could be used as a biological weapon, requiring preparedness. * Public Health Strategies: * Vaccination Programs: Promoting BCG vaccination in high-risk areas. * Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Ensuring access to diagnosis and treatment. * Research and Development: Developing new diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.
32
What is Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), and where is it commonly found?
* Gram-positive, acid-fast, slow-growing bacillus. * Facultative Aerobe with a complex cell wall rich in mycolic acids. * Commonly found in soil, water, and animal feces. * Reservoir Hosts: Primarily ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats.
33
What disease is primarily caused by MAP?
* Paratuberculosis (Johne's Disease): * Chronic, Progressive gastrointestinal disease. * Primarily affects the small intestine of ruminants. * Potential Association: Investigated link with Crohn's Disease in humans (controversial).
34
How is MAP transmitted?
* Fecal-Oral Route: Ingestion of contaminated feed or water containing MAP spores. * Vertical Transmission: From dam to calf through colostrum or milk. * Environmental Persistence: MAP spores can survive in the environment for years due to their resistance.
35
What are the clinical features of paratuberculosis in animals?
* Progressive Weight Loss: Despite normal or increased appetite. * Diarrhea: Chronic, watery stools. * Reduced Milk Production: In dairy cattle. * Weakness and Depression: General signs of poor health. * Death: Often occurs in advanced stages due to severe malnutrition and dehydration.
36
How is MAP infection diagnosed?
* Clinical Signs: Based on symptoms like weight loss and diarrhea. * Laboratory Tests: * Culture: Growing MAP from feces, tissues, or blood; extremely slow (can take up to 16 weeks). * PCR: Detects MAP DNA; faster but may lack sensitivity. * Serological Tests: ELISA for antibodies against MAP. * Histopathology: Intestinal biopsies showing granulomatous enteritis.
37
What treatments are effective against MAP infections?
* Limited Treatment Options: No effective antibiotic treatment for paratuberculosis in animals. * Management Practices: * Culling Infected Animals: To prevent spread. * Improved Sanitation: Enhancing hygiene in animal housing. * Feed Management: Avoiding contaminated feed and ensuring clean water sources. * Vaccination: Developing vaccines is ongoing but not widely available.
38
What are the prevention measures for MAP infections?
* Herd Management: * Test-and-Cull Programs: Identifying and removing infected animals. * Minimize Calf Exposure: Preventing vertical transmission by controlling calf feeding practices. * Environmental Controls: * Clean Housing: Regularly cleaning and disinfecting barns and feeding equipment. * Pasture Rotation: Reducing soil contamination. * Biosecurity Measures: * Prevent Introduction: Screening new animals before introducing to the herd. * Isolation Practices: Separating infected from healthy animals.
39
What are the key virulence factors of MAP?
* Cell Wall Components: Rich in mycolic acids providing resistance to host defenses. * Secreted Proteins: Facilitate macrophage invasion and immune evasion. * Adhesins: Enable attachment to intestinal epithelial cells. * Slow Growth Rate: Allows persistent infection within the host. * Spore Formation: Ensures environmental survival and transmission.
40
What are the risk factors for developing paratuberculosis?
* Age: Young animals are more susceptible to infection. * Herd Size: Larger herds have higher transmission rates. * Management Practices: Poor hygiene, overcrowding, and inadequate sanitation increase risk. * Genetic Susceptibility: Some breeds may be more vulnerable. * Environmental Contamination: Presence of MAP spores in soil and water.
41
What are the public health implications of MAP infections?
* Zoonotic Potential: * Controversial Link: Investigated association with Crohn's Disease in humans, though not definitively proven. * Food Safety: * Contaminated Milk: Pasteurization is crucial to eliminate MAP spores. * Meat Processing: Ensuring proper cooking and hygiene to prevent foodborne transmission. * Economic Impact: * Livestock Losses: Reduced productivity, culling costs, and impact on dairy and meat industries. * Research and Development: * Vaccine Development: Ongoing efforts to create effective vaccines for herd immunity. * Diagnostic Improvements: Enhancing rapid and accurate testing methods. * Environmental Persistence: * Long-Term Contamination: MAP spores remain in the environment, posing ongoing transmission risks.
42
What is Mycobacterium ulcerans, and where is it commonly found?
Gram-positive, acid-fast, slow-growing bacillus. Environmental Reservoirs: Found in water bodies, soil, and associated with aquatic environments. Geographical Distribution: Predominantly in West and Central Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia.
43
What disease is primarily caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans?
Buruli Ulcer: A chronic, necrotizing skin disease characterized by large ulcers typically on the limbs.
44
How is Mycobacterium ulcerans transmitted?
Environmental Contact: Through skin abrasions exposed to contaminated water or soil. Vector Transmission: Possible role of insects (e.g., water bugs) as vectors. Direct Contact: With infected individuals is rarely reported.
45
What are the clinical features of Buruli Ulcer?
Early Stage: Painless nodules or plaques on the skin. Advanced Stage: Progression to necrotic ulcers with undermined edges. Minimal Inflammation: Often lack of pain and inflammatory response. Complications: Bone involvement, disfigurement, and functional impairment.
46
How is Mycobacterium ulcerans infection diagnosed?
Clinical Evaluation: Based on skin lesions appearance and epidemiological history. Laboratory Tests: * PCR: Detection of IS2404 gene specific to M. ulcerans. * Culture: Growing on Lowenstein-Jensen medium; slow (can take several weeks). * Histopathology: Presence of necrosis and acid-fast bacilli. Imaging: Ultrasound or MRI for assessing extent of tissue involvement.
47
What treatments are effective against Mycobacterium ulcerans infections?
Antibiotic Therapy: * Combination of Rifampicin and Clarithromycin: Standard regimen for 8 weeks. * Alternative Regimens: May include streptomycin or amikacin in severe cases. Surgical Intervention: * Debridement: Removal of necrotic tissue if necessary. Supportive Care: * Wound Care: Proper dressings and infection prevention. * Reconstruction: In cases of disfigurement or functional loss.
48
What are the prevention measures for Mycobacterium ulcerans infections?
Environmental Management: * Avoiding Contact: Limiting exposure to contaminated water and soil, especially in endemic areas. Protective Measures: * Wearing Protective Clothing: When in high-risk environments. Public Health Initiatives: * Awareness Campaigns: Educating communities about risk factors and early signs. Vector Control: * Insect Management: Reducing insect vectors that may transmit the bacteria.
49
What are the key virulence factors of Mycobacterium ulcerans?
Mycolactone: A polyketide-derived toxin responsible for tissue necrosis and immune suppression. Biofilm Formation: Enhances environmental survival and transmission. Iron Acquisition Systems: Essential for bacterial growth in host tissues. Surface Proteins: Facilitate adherence to host cells and immune evasion.
50
What are the risk factors for developing Buruli Ulcer?
Living in Endemic Areas: Such as West Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia. Environmental Exposure: Frequent contact with water bodies and soil. Age: Primarily affects children and young adults. Immune Status: Immunocompromised individuals may be at higher risk. Insect Bites: Possible association with insect vectors.
51
What are the public health implications of Mycobacterium ulcerans infections?
Burden in Endemic Regions: Causes significant healthcare challenges and economic impact. Bioterrorism Potential: Mycolactone toxin's potent effects raise concerns for biological weapon use. Need for Research: Ongoing studies on transmission mechanisms, vaccine development, and better diagnostics. Healthcare Infrastructure: Requires adequate resources for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in affected areas. Community Education: Essential for early detection and reducing transmission through behavioral changes.
52
What is Mycobacterium leprae, and where is it commonly found?
Gram-positive, acid-fast, slow-growing bacillus. * Obligate Intracellular Pathogen: Primarily infects skin and nervous tissue. * Environmental Presence: Not commonly found in the environment; primarily transmitted person-to-person. * Low Reproduction Rate: Long generation time (~14 days).
53
What disease is primarily caused by Mycobacterium leprae?
Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease): A chronic infectious disease affecting the skin, nerves, eyes, and respiratory tract.
54
How is Mycobacterium leprae transmitted?
Respiratory Droplets: Inhalation of infectious droplets from an infected person. * Prolonged Close Contact: Higher risk among household members. * Possible Transmission: Through skin contact, though less common.
55
What are the clinical features of leprosy?
Skin Lesions: Hypopigmented or reddish patches with reduced sensation. * Nerve Damage: Leads to loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and deformities. * Types of Leprosy: * Tuberculoid: Few, well-defined lesions; low bacterial load. * Lepromatous: Numerous lesions; high bacterial load. * Borderline: Intermediate features between tuberculoid and lepromatous.
56
What are the risk factors for developing leprosy?
Genetic Susceptibility: Certain genetic factors increase risk. * Close Contact: Living with an infected individual. * Immunocompromised States: Weakened immune system may increase susceptibility. * Geographical Location: Higher prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions.
57
How is Mycobacterium leprae infection diagnosed?
Clinical Evaluation: Based on skin lesions and nerve involvement. * Skin Smear or Biopsy: Detection of acid-fast bacilli using Ziehl-Neelsen stain. * PCR: Molecular detection of M. leprae DNA for higher sensitivity. * Skin Patch Test: Assessing sensory loss in lesions.
58
What treatments are effective against leprosy?
Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT): Combines multiple antibiotics to prevent resistance. * For Tuberculoid and Borderline Leprosy: * Rifampicin * Dapsone * For Lepromatous Leprosy: * Rifampicin * Dapsone * Clofazimine * Duration: Typically 6-12 months depending on the type. * Supportive Care: Managing nerve damage and deformities.
59
What are the prevention measures for Mycobacterium leprae infections?
Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Reduces contagiousness and prevents complications. * Public Health Programs: Screening and contact tracing in endemic areas. * Vaccination: BCG vaccine offers partial protection against leprosy. * Hygiene Practices: Maintaining good personal hygiene and sanitation to reduce transmission. * Awareness and Education: Informing communities about leprosy signs and reducing stigma.
60
What are the key virulence factors of Mycobacterium leprae?
Phenolic Glycolipid-I (PGL-I): Facilitates adhesion to host cells. * Mycolic Acids: Component of the cell wall providing resistance to host defenses. * Lipoarabinomannan (LAM): Modulates immune responses and immune evasion. * Toxin Complexes: Inhibit phagosome-lysosome fusion, allowing intracellular survival.
61
What are the public health implications of Mycobacterium leprae infections?
Stigma and Discrimination: Persistent social stigma affecting patients' quality of life. * Economic Impact: Loss of productivity and healthcare costs associated with long-term treatment and disabilities. * Global Health Challenge: Requires continued surveillance and resource allocation in endemic regions. * Potential for Elimination: WHO aims to reduce global burden, but challenges remain in access to healthcare and early detection. * Biotechnological Research: Ongoing efforts to develop effective vaccines and new diagnostic tools.