Week 12: Gastrointestinal, Integumentary, and Ocular Systems Flashcards

1
Q

What bacteria caused the Walkerton Water Crisis?

A

E. coli O157 and Campylobacter bacteria

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2
Q

How are most Foodborne Illnesses transmitted?

A

Many diarrheal diseases are transmitted via food or water (fecal-oral route)

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3
Q

What are challenges with diagnosing Foodborne Illnesses?

A

The precise cause of foodborne illness is often hard to pinpoint based on symptoms alone, however certain clinical features can indicate specific pathogens.

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4
Q

What factors can help determine specific Foodborne Illnesses?

A

Clinical symptoms
Type of exposure
Symptom onset timing

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5
Q

What are Staphylococcal Foodborne Illnesses?

A

Staphylococcal enterotoxins, of which there are at least 21 types, can cause foodborne illness due to their stability in acidic environments and resistance to heat.

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6
Q

What are sources of Staphylococcal Foodborne Illnesses?

A

Sources raw or undercooked and cooked foods including meat (e.g., canned meat, ham, and sausages) and dairy products (e.g., cheeses, milk, and butter).

Also commonly found on hands and can be transmitted to prepared foods through poor hygiene, including poor hand washing and the use of contaminated food preparation surfaces, such as cutting boards.

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7
Q

What is the Pathogenesis of Staphylococcal Foodborne Illnesses?

A

Staphylococcal toxins can survive stomach acid and are not destroyed by boiling, meaning that even if the bacteria are killed, the toxins may still induce symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea; The toxins act as superantigens which can potentially trigger an intense immune response.

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8
Q

What causes Campylobacter Gastroenteritis?

A

Caused by the gram-negative, spiral bacteria Campylobacter jejuni; Found in chicken or unpasteurized milk

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9
Q

What can exposure to Campylobacter Gastroenteritis lead to?

A

Exposure can lead to gastroenteritis (campylobacteriosis) with symptoms of fever, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea; More severe symptoms include hepatitis, cholecystitis, bacteremia, and meningitis with Guillain-Barré syndrome occurring in rare instances

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10
Q

How is Campylobacter Gastroenteritis diagnosed?

A

Bacterial culture

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11
Q

What is Salmonella?

A

Salmonella gastroenteritis, or salmonellosis, is primarily caused by Salmonella enterica, particularly serotypes Enteritidis and Typhi, through ingestion of contaminated food, especially poultry, or contact with certain animals.

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12
Q

What are symptoms of Salmonella?

A

The bacteria multiply within the intestines, causing inflammation and fluid secretion, leading to symptoms like fever, nausea, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, which generally last a few days to a week.

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13
Q

How do you prevent Salmonella?

A

Preventive measures include thorough cooking, hand-washing, and proper food handling.

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14
Q

How do you diagnose Salmonella?

A

Culturing and serotyping

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15
Q

What is Typhoid Fever?

A

A severe type of Salmonellosis caused primarily by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. typhi) and sometimes by Paratyphi

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16
Q

What are symptoms of Typhoid Fever?

A

Can lead to symptoms such as high fever, body aches, headache, nausea, and lethargy, with a potential for a rash.

–> Some people can be asymptomatic carriers, often harbouring the bacteria in their gallbladder, spreading it through contaminated food or water.

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17
Q

How is Typhoid Fever transmitted?

A

Transmission occurs via contaminated food/water and the fecal-oral route

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18
Q

What is the Pathogenesis of Typhoid Fever?

A

S. typhi invades the intestinal lining, multiplies in macrophages, and spreads through the bloodstream to organs like the liver and gallbladder, with the potential to cause intestinal ulceration and perforation.

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19
Q

How is Typhoid Fever diagnosed?

A

Diagnosed through clinical examination and cultures from bodily fluids, with serology or PCR for confirmation.

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20
Q

How is Typhoid Fever treated?

A

Treatment involves antibiotics like fluoroquinolones, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin, with strict hygiene to prevent transmission.

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21
Q

What is Escherichia Coli (E-Coli)?

A

A gram-negative rode that is part of the commensal microbiota of the gut

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22
Q

What are the 4 pathogenic groups of E. coli that can be transmitted through food and water?

A

EnterotoxigenicE. coli(ETEC)
EnteroinvasiveE. coli(EIEC)
EnteropathogenicE. coli(EPEC)
EnterohaemorrhagicE. coli(EHEC)

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23
Q

What is EnterotoxigenicE. coli(ETEC)?

A

Causes traveler’s diarrhea, often called Montezuma’s Revenge, with symptoms like watery diarrhea, cramps, and low fever.

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24
Q

What is EnteroinvasiveE. coli(EIEC)?

A

Resembles Shigella in pathogenesis, with intracellular invasion of epithelial cells.
Symptoms include watery diarrhea, chills, fever, and dysentery; typically self-limiting.

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25
What is Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC)?
Common in infants and can cause severe, potentially fatal diarrhea in resource-limited settings. Uses a protein (Tir) to attach to host cells and rearrange actin into pedestals for adherence.
26
What is Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)?
Includes the epidemic strain O157; capable of severe outbreaks and serious complications. Produces Shiga-like toxin acquired from Shigella dysenteriae, leading to bloody diarrhea, cramping, and potential HUS.
27
What is Clostridium perfingens Gastroenteritis?
Generally, a mild-foodborne illness, though certain strains are associated with increased morbidity and mortality
28
What causes Clostridium perfingens Gastroenteritis?
Gram-positive, rod-shaped, anaerobic bacteria that is tolerant of high and low temperatures (making it an ideal foodborne illness).
29
How is Clostridium perfingens Gastroenteritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of C. perfringens infection involves detecting the bacterial toxin in stool through PCR or ELISA testing, with bacteria also identifiable in food or fecal samples.
30
What causes Shigellosis (Bacillary Dysentery)?
Shigella is a rod-shaped, gram-negative bacterium responsible for bacillary dysentery, or shigellosis, a gastrointestinal illness.
31
How is Shigellosis spread?
Shigellosis spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route but can also be transmitted by direct contact, contaminated food, and water.
32
What are symptoms of Shigellosis?
Symptoms typically include stomach cramps, fever, and watery diarrhea, which may contain pus, mucus, or blood. Severe cases can result in deeper mucosal ulceration, dehydration, and rectal bleeding. Complications include hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), reactive arthritis, and, in some cases, chronic post-infection irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
33
How is Shigellosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves analyzing stool samples using serological or molecular methods, such as immunoassays for S. dysenteriae. Additional diagnostic techniques include API test strips, Enterotube systems, or PCR testing
34
What is Cholera?
A severe gastrointestinal infection caused by the gram-negative flagellated bacteria Vibrio cholerae serotype O1
35
What is a common cause of Cholera?
Often linked to poor sanitation, especially following natural disasters where water sources may become contaminated.
36
What is the Pathogenesis of Cholera?
Requires a high infectious dose to survive stomach acid and reach the intestines. Once in the intestines, V. cholerae attaches to epithelial cells and releases cholera enterotoxin, which increases cAMP levels in the cells, leading to the loss of ions and water into the intestinal lumen. This results in severe dehydration and "rice water stool" diarrhea.
37
How is Cholera diagnosed?
Diagnosis of cholera involves stool culture, with the bacterium identifiable as a gram-negative, oxidase-positive, non-lactose fermenter on MacConkey agar, or through yellow colonies on TCBS agar, specific for Vibrio spp.
38
How is Cholera treated?
Treatment focuses on rehydration and electrolyte replacement, with antibiotics like tetracyclines or azithromycin reserved for severe cases. Prevention relies on good sanitation practices, clean drinking water, and appropriate sewage treatment to reduce infection risk.
39
What causes Peptic Ulcers?
Caused by the gram-negative bacterium, Helicobacter pylori which can survive the stomach's acidic environment
40
What does H. pylori do to the stomach lining cells?
Adheres to the stomach lining cells using pili and produces urease, which creates a more neutral environment which allows the colonization and subsequent damage to mucus-producing cells.
41
What are symptoms of Peptic Ulcers?
Symptoms include nausea, appetite loss, bloating, burping, and weight loss Untreated cases can lead to serious complications like bleeding ulcers and stomach perforation.
42
What is Clostridium difficile?
A gram-positive rod that can be part of an individual's commensal flora (asymptomatic carriers)
43
What are the two toxins Clostridium difficile produces?
Toxin A (TcdA) and Toxin B (Tcdb)
44
What do the toxins produced by Clostridium difficile do?
Toxins disrupt proteins responsible for controlling cell shape; causes epithelial cells to lose their structure and die.
45
What are symptoms of Clostridium difficile?
Symptoms include watery diarrhea, dehydration, loss of appetite, fever, pain. Individuals can also develop a perforated colon which can lead to sepsis and death
46
What is the pathogenesis of Clostridium difficile?
Ingested into GI tract; Healthy individuals usually have enough ‘good bacteria’ to protect them; Use of antibiotic therapy can cause the bacteria to proliferate; Toxins are produced leading to diarrhea and colitis
47
How is Clostridium difficile treated?
For non-severe cases: oral antibiotics For severe cases: Hospital admission and intensive treatment with high-dose oral vancomycin plus parenteral metronidazole; monitor and adjust based on severity.
48
What is Rotavirus?
A double-stranded non-enveloped RNA virus that spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route; The most common cause of severe diarrhea in children
49
What are symptoms of Rotavirus?
Signs and symptoms include fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, often resulting in dehydration and food intolerance, particularly to lactose. Severe cases, especially in malnourished or vulnerable populations, can lead to further health issues or death.
50
How is Rotavirus treated and prevented?
Treatment is supportive (oral rehydration) or, in severe cases, more intensive management; oral rotavirus vaccines given at 2,4, & 6, good hygiene practices
51
What is Norovirus?
Also known as “Norwalk,” noroviruses are caliciviruses; only some strains cause gastroenteritis This highly contagious illness is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, through touching contaminated surfaces, and through food.
52
Can Norovirus be killed with disinfectants?
Not killed by usual disinfectant; the risk of transmission remains high, even after cleaning.
53
How do you prevent Norovirus?
Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food; Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (70-90% alcohol); Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces with a bleach solution Vaccine is in development
54
What are signs and symptoms of Norovirus?
Norovirus infection typically causes watery diarrhea, mild cramps, fever, and sometimes projectile vomiting
55
How is Norovirus diagnosed?
PCR testing
56
How do you treat Norovirus?
Supportive care such as rehydration and electrolyte replacement
57
What is Hepatitis?
A generic name referring to inflammation of the liver that can have infectious (e.g., hepatitis virus) and non-infectious causes (alcohol)
58
T or F: Hepatitis can be acute or chronic
True, some forms of hepatitis are acute and self-limiting, while others can become chronic (persist for years and can cause long-term liver damage)
59
What are symptoms of Hepatitis?
Symptoms include general malaise, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, and dark urine due to bilirubin buildup. In severe cases, liver damage may cause further complications.
60
How is Hepatitis diagnosed?
Blood testing and serology confirm diagnosis through an examination of liver enzyme levels and specific antibodies for each virus
61
How is Hepatitis treated?
Treatment focuses on supportive care, but antivirals and interferon may help with chronic infections, especially for HBV and HCV.
62
How do you prevent Hepatitis?
Vaccinations and good hygiene
63
What causes Staphylococcal and Streptococcal Skin Infections?
Staphylococcus spp. (particularly S. aureus) and Streptococcus spp. (notably S. pyogenes) are gram-positive bacteria frequently responsible for common skin infections.
64
How areStaphylococcal and Streptococcal Skin Infections spread?
Both can spread through contact and thrive in various environments.
65
S. aureus, often found in nasal passages and on skin, is highly contagious and can lead to serious infections such as?
MRSA
66
What makes S. aureus so virulent?
It has toxins and enzymes that facilitate infection and immune evasion.
67
What is S. pyogenes responsible for?
Group A Strep
68
How does S. pyogenes work?
It produces enzymes and proteins that enhance its pathogenicity, such as streptolysins and M protein, which contribute to inflammation and immune response.
69
How is Strep diagnosed?
Cultures
70
Staph and strep can each cause a range of conditions such as?
Mild skin infections to severe diseases affecting other systems.
71
What is Cellulitis and Erysipelas?
An infection which occurs in the dermis or hypodermis
72
What are symptoms of Cellulitis and Erysipelas?
Symptoms include erythema, edema, and warmth
73
What is Cellulitis specifically?
A hardened, reddened area, can be purulent or non-purulent
74
What is Erysipelas specifically?
Presents as large, intensely inflamed patch of skin involving the dermis (often on the legs or face) (non-purulent)
75
What are some Bacterial pathogens responsible for Cellulitis and Erysipelas?
Beta-hemolytic streptococci Staphylococcus aureus Gram-negative aerobic bacilli
76
How is Cellulitis and Erysipelas diagnosed?
Clinical signs, blood cultures and tissue samples.
77
How is Cellulitis and Erysipelas treated?
Targeted antibiotic therapy, Parenteral antibiotics for severe cases, oral antibiotics for mild cases
78
What is Impetigo?
A contagious skin infection, often around the nose and mouth, characterized by vesicles, pustules, and sometimes large fluid-filled blisters (bullae).
79
What are the 2 forms of Impetigo?
1. Nonbullous, with yellowish crusted sores 2. Bullous, with larger, encrusted, draining lesions after bullae rupture.
80
What normally causes Impetigo?
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or both.
81
How is Impetigo treated?
Topical or oral antibiotics.
82
What is Necrotizing Fasciitis?
A deep soft tissue infection that progresses to destruction of the muscle fascia and subcutaneous fat; Also known as “flesh-eating disease”
83
What are some risk factors for Necrotizing Fasciitis?
- Major trauma or minor injuries - Skin breaches - Recent surgeries or mucosal breaches - Immunosuppression (e.g., diabetes, cirrhosis, HIV infection) - Malignancy, obesity, or alcoholism - Pregnancy-related factors in women - Diabetes - Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (linked to Fournier gangrene) - NSAIDs
84
What are the 2 types of Necrotizing Fasciitis?
Polymicrobial (Type 1) Monomicrobial (Type 2)
85
What causes Polymicrobial (Type 1) Necrotizing Fasciitis?
This form involves multiple aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, commonly including anaerobes like Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Peptostreptococcus, in combination with Enterobacteriaceae species (e.g., E. coli, Klebsiella) and facultative anaerobic streptococci (excluding group A strep).
86
What causes Monomicrobial (Type 2) Necrotizing Fasciitis?
Usually caused by a single organism, primarily group A Streptococcus (GAS) or Staphylococcus aureus.
87
What are Cutaneous Papillomas (Warts)?
Skin infections caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), transmitted through direct contact and presenting in forms like common warts, plantar warts, flat warts, and filiform warts.
88
How are Cutaneous Papillomas (Warts) treated?
Treatment for warts varies in effectiveness and includes freezing with liquid nitrogen, topical salicylic acid, electrosurgery, curettage, excision, cantharidin application, laser treatments, chemical peels, bleomycin injections, and immunotherapy.
89
What is oral herpes (HSV-1)?
Commonly causes cold sores around the lips, mouth, and other areas (contact transmission) that remains latent in the trigeminal nerve ganglia and can reactivate due to stress or environmental factors.
90
How contagious are oral herpes (HSV-1)?
Is highly contagious and affects a significant portion of the population, often asymptomatically.
91
How are oral herpes (HSV-1) treated?
Antiviral medications (e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir) and topical treatments are used to alleviate symptoms and reduce transmission risk, though no cure exists.
92
What causes Pseudomonas Skin and Soft Tissue Infections?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa; a common cause of opportunistic infections found in water, soil, and on human skin.
93
What are some examples of Pseudomonas Skin and Soft Tissue Infections?
- Ecthyma gangrenosum - Burn wound infections - Otitis media (swimmers ear) - Folliculitis associated with hot tub exposures - Foot infection following nail puncture injury - Green nail syndrome - Perichondritis following ear piercing or acupuncture
94
How are Pseudomonas Skin and Soft Tissue Infections treated?
Treatment often includes aggressive surgical debridement of necrotic tissue, combined with antibiotics that have antipseudomonal activity, such as beta-lactams, carbapenems, or fluoroquinolones. --> Aminoglycosides are generally used in combination therapy rather than alone.
95
What is Tineas?
Superficial fungal infections caused by dermatophytes that require keratin to grow; Can affect the skin, hair, and nails.
96
What are common types of Tineas?
Common types include tinea corporis (body), tinea capitis (scalp), tinea pedis (feet), tinea barbae (beard), tinea cruris (groin), and tinea unguium (nails).
97
What causes Tineas?
Dermatophytes
98
How are dermatophytes spread?
Dermatophytes thrive in moist, dark environments and are often spread through contact with contaminated humans, animals, or environments like public showers.
99
How is Tineas diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes the use of a Wood’s lamp to observe fungal fluorescence, microscopic evaluation of skin or hair samples, and growth on selective agar to identify the specific dermatophyte.
100
How is Tineas treated?
Treatment typically involves topical antifungal creams like terbinafine, miconazole, or clotrimazole, with oral medications like griseofulvin for more severe cases.
101
What causes Candidiasis of the Skin and Nails?
Candida albicans and related yeasts can cause cutaneous candidiasis, affecting skin folds (intertrigo) and nails, which may lead to to yellow, hardened nails.
102
How does Candidiasis of the Skin and Nails present?
Cutaneous candidiasis presents as a red, itchy rash, while nail infections result in yellow, brittle nails prone to breakage.
103
How is Candidiasis of the Skin and Nails present diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves clinical observation, cultures, and tests like Gram stain and wet mounts, with susceptibility testing for antifungal treatments.
104
How is Candidiasis of the Skin and Nails present treated?
Treatment typically includes topical or systemic antifungals (e.g., azoles, nystatin), with preventive treatment for immunocompromised patients to avoid invasive infections.
105
What is Conjunctivitis?
Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that lines the inside of your eyelid and the white of your eye)
106
What causes Conjunctivitis?
Like many other infections, it can be caused by bacteria or viruses, though non-infectious causes are also possible (not covered here).
107
What causes Hyperacute Bacterial Conjunctivitis?
Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Severe and sight-threatening
108
How is Hyperacute Bacterial Conjunctivitis transmitted ?
Transmitted from genital to eye contact
109
What are signs and symptoms of Hyperacute Bacterial Conjunctivitis?
Copious purulent discharge (within 12 hours of becoming infected) “fountain of pus”, redness, edema, swelling, irritation
110
What is Neonatal Conjunctivitis (Ophthalmia neonatorum)?
An acute inflammation of the conjunctiva within the first four weeks of life
111
What causes Neonatal Conjunctivitis?
Can be caused by bacteria or viruses (including STIs), or other non-infectious causes