Microbial Diseases By David Fan and Tejas Jha *Culture- a way to diagnose certain diseases. During the test, a cotton swab is used to take a sample from the body and is then rubbed on a petri dish. If an infection grows, then it is also in the body. 1) Viral Diseases i) AIDS (1) Characteristics (a) Sexually transmitted (b) Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (c) Reduces the effectiveness of the immune system (2) Symptoms (a) Cancer (b) Conditions that don’t develop in healthy people (c) Pulmonary infections (d) Gastrointestinal infections (e) Neurological problems (i) Insanity (ii) Ulcers (f) Tumors and Malignancies (g) Fever (h) Weight loss (3) Causes (a) AIDS is the ultimate clinical consequence of infection with HIV. (b) It directly and indirectly destroys CD4+ T cells. (i) Plays role in immunity; reaction (c) Once HIV has killed so many CD4+ T cells that there are fewer than 200 of these cells per microliter (µL) of blood, cellular immunity is lost (4) Diagnosis (a) HIV test (i) Antibody test 1. Looks for antibodies produced by body when HIV is present 2.
Blood, urine, saliva
(5) Treatment and Prevention
(a) Post-exposure prophylaxis (b) Highly active antiretroviral treatment (c) The only known method of prevention is avoiding contact with the virus ii) Chicken Pox and Shingles (1) Characteristics (a) Spread by direct contact or by air; Highly infective; 90%; endemic (winter to early spring), Most common in children 4-10 years old (b) Incubation period of 14-16 days (c) Takes 10-21 days for an infected person to develop chicken pox (2) Symptoms (a) Blisters with vesicular fluid; contagious until it forms a scab; 5-6 days (b) anorexia, myalgia (muscle pain), nausea, fever, headache, sore throat, pain in both ears, complaints of pressure in head or swollen face, and malaise (general discomfort) in adolescents and adults, and fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater (3) Causes (a) Caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV) (b) Initiates the production of host immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies; IgG antibodies persist for life and confer immunity. After primary infection, VZV is hypothesized to spread from mucosal and epidermal lesions to local sensory nerves. VZV then remains latent in the dorsal ganglion cells of the sensory nerves. Reactivation of VZV results in the clinically distinct syndrome of herpes zoster (i.e., shingles), and sometimes Ramsay Hunt syndrome type II. (4) Diagnosis (a) Clinical; typical early "prodromal" symptoms, and then the characteristic rash. (b) Tsanck smear (skin cells), or examination for direct fluorescent antibody. The fluid can also be cultured; virus is grown from a fluid sample. Blood tests can be used to identify a response to acute infection (IgM) or previous infection and subsequent immunity (IgG).
(5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Heals by itself; rest, nutrition, hydration (b) Calamine lotion relieves pain and itchiness (c) Vaccine prevents chicken pox, along with good hygiene and proper rest, nutrition, hydration and exercise. iii) Common Cold (1) Characteristics (a) Contagious, viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory system, caused primarily by rhinoviruses and coronaviruses (2) Symptoms (a) Cough, sore throat, fever, runny nose, and nasal congestion; sometimes this may be accompanied by conjunctivitis (pink eye), muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, shivering, and loss of appetite (3) Causes (a) Viral infection of the upper respiratory tract; usually rhinovirus (4) Diagnosis (a) Endemic; fall and winter; generally mild symptoms. Often diagnosed as an influenza-like illness, however influenza involves the lungs, cold doesn’t. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) There are no drugs that kill the common cold rhinovirus (b) Proper rest, nutrition, hydration and hygiene will help the cold go away quickly (c) Prevention; lifestyle as mentioned above; no vaccine can prevent cold; evolves quickly iv) Dengue Fever (1) Characteristics
(a) Tropical acute febrile(fever inducing) mosquito spread viral disease. (b) Genus: Flavivirus Family: Flaviviridae (c) The mosquitoes that spread dengue usually bite at dusk and dawn but may bite at any time during the day, especially indoors, in shady areas, or when the weather is cloudy (2) Symptoms (a) Fever with headache, muscle and joint pain(myalgias and arthralgias), and a rash. (3) Causes (a) Caused by dengue virus (DENV), spread by mosquitoes (4) Diagnosis (a) Clinically; symptoms and blood test (i) Low platelet and white blood cell count (ii) Fever with no centralized infection site (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Alleviate circulatory shock and blood loss (b) Platelet transfusion if platelet levels drop below 20,000 (c) Prevent being bit from mosquitoes v) Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (1) Characteristics (a) The virus interferes with endothelial cells in the lining of blood vessel walls (b) Spread by close personal contact (2) Symptoms (a) Abrupt and is characterized by fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and
stomach pain. A rash, red eyes, hiccups and internal and external bleeding may be seen in some patients (3) Causes (a) Ebola virus; (4) Diagnosis (a) Blood, urine, or saliva tests (i) Search antibodies, replicate DNA (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Medications to reduce discomfort, good nutrition and hydration along with rest. (b) Prevent with good hygiene and lifestyle as mentioned above, and limit contact with infected people and objects vi) Herpes (1) Characteristics (a) Most commonly transmitted sexually (b) The causative agents are the HSV-1 and the HSV-2 viruses (2) Symptoms (a) Cold sores around the mouth or blisters in the genital area (b) Tingling or sours occur near the place where the virus enters the body (c) The first outbreak begins 2 weeks after being infected and can last as long as a few weeks (d) First red bumps appear, then become small blisters, and then they become itchy painful sores. (3) Causes (a) Spreads by contact. In other words, having contact with someone who has herpes will result to a possibility of getting herpes. (b) It is still possible to get Herpes with contact even if it is not with someone with the infection. (c) After infected, the virus attaches its self to certain nerve cells for life. When the virus is triggered, it travels across the cell and produces more viruses, causing the host to receive more sores in other areas. This is called recurrence. (4) Diagnosis (a) Genital Herpes can be diagnosed when a healthcare provider examining the sores that are formed. Sometimes, though, the virus is harder to diagnose. This is because the healthcare provider may not detect the Herpes virus when they conduce a laboratory test known as a culture. (b) The virus can also be detected by a specific blood test. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) There is no cure for Herpes (b) Medicines can be used to prevent future outbreaks, reducing the spread of the virus. (c) Can be prevented by not having genital contact with people who have the infection
vii) Influenza (1) Characteristics (a) Also known as the flu (b) The flu is the contagious respiratory disease that is caused by the Influenza virus. (c) The flu can be mild or severe and can be responsible for death (d) Those that are old, young, or have certain health problems are at a higher risk of flu complications (e) 5%-20% of the U.S. population gets the flu (f) 23,500 people in the U.S. die from the flu. (2) Symptoms (a) Fever (usually high) (b) Headache (c) Extreme tiredness (d) Dry cough (e) Sore throat (f) Runny or stuffy nose (g) Muscle aches (h) Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may occur with children but rare with adults (3) Causes (a) The flu spreads in reportorial droplets released from coughing and sneezing. (b) Usually spreads person to person, but can also spread by touching something with the virus and then toughing the mouth or nose. (c) A person with people with the flu is contagious a day before symptoms begin as well as while having the flu. (d) Adults remain contagious a week after getting sick, but it is even longer for children. (4) Diagnosis (a) The first part of diagnosing influenza begins by checking the symptoms (b) A healthcare provider also may check if there have been other outbreaks of the flu nearby. (c) Culture can also be used to determine whether a person has the flu virus. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) The most simple way to get cured of the flu virus is by taking the flu shot vaccine every year. This can be in the form of a nasal spray or a shot. (b) Those who get a mild flu illness can get better by: resting, taking medications that help one rest, drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding asprins, avoiding tobacco and alcohole, and by avoiding antibiotics (unless needed for a different illnesss).
(c) Those with severe cases of influenza should contact their healthcare provider for antiviral medications that will shorten the time the symptoms occer. viii) Measles (1) Characteristics (a) Also known as rubeola (b) Is a highly contagious infectious disease that causes a total-body skin rash as well as flu-like symptoms. (c) Is rare in the US but 20 million cases occur worldwide. (d) Highly contagious. 90% of people who haven’t been vaccinated for measles, but live in the same household as an infected person will get infected as well (2) Symptoms (a) The first symptoms that occur are usually a hacking cough, runny nose, high fever, and red-eyes. (b) Another marker for measles are Koplik’s spots that are small red dots with white centers that appear inside the mouth. (c) The measles rash is usually red or reddish brown blotchy appearance, and first usually shows up on the forehead before downwards over the face, neck, body, and down to the arms and feet. (3) Causes (a) The rubella or rubeola viruses are usually carried in the respiratory tract before the person becomes ill. (b) Once someone gets the virus, they are immune to it and will not get ill from the virus again. (4) Diagnosis (a) Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may diagnose measles with only history and physical exam alone. (b) In some questionable cases, a doctor can perform specialized blood testing, but usually is not needed. (c) Blood testing can also be used to find whether a person is immunized from measles or not already. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Infants are protected against measles up to 6 months after their birth, but those older than that would need a vaccine in order to prevent measles. (b) During a measles outbreak, one should take plenty of rest and fluids. (c) If the infected person has not been immunized can be protected from measles by taking an injection of measle antibodies that must be taken within 6 days of exposure. This injection will prevent measles, or make the symptoms less severe. ix) Mumps (1) Characteristics
(a) An infectious disease that is caused by the mumps virus, and had been very common until it’s vaccination had been introduced. (b) Usually spread through saliva and can infect many parts of the body, especially the salivary glands. These glands typically swell and become painful during the disease. (2) Symptoms (a) Cases of mumps start with a fever of about 103o F as well as headaches and loss of appitite. (b) The parotid glands also become increasingly swollen and painful over a period of one to three days. (c) Mumps can also lead to the inflammation and swelling of the brain and other organs. This, however, isn’t as common. (d) Nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, headaches, drowsiness, and convulsions. (3) Causes (a) Usually occur with those that live in close quarters, such as schools, orphanages and military camps. (b) Spreads by coughing, sneezing, or by touching something infected with the virus and then touching the nose, mouth, eyes, etc. (4) Diagnosis (a) A health care provider will consider the following when diagnosing mumps: symptoms, current medical conditions, current medications, and family history of medical conditions. (b) A physical exam may also be done in order to diagnose mumps (c) If unsure, a doctor may also take a blood test in order to look for antibodies to the mumps virus. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention: getting the vaccine, washing hands often, don’t share utencils of beverage containers, surfaces that are usually touched should be cleaned often, limit contatct with people who have had mumps symptoms. (b) Treatments cannot kill the virus, but can prevent severe symptoms. They are: medications to prevent fever, warm moist towels to prevent swelling, taking lots of fluids, rest, and soft, bland diets. x) Mononucleosis (1) Characteristics (a) Most common with people between 10-35 years of age, with the high points being 15-17 years of age. (b) There are two viruses that can cause mononucleosis. They are the Epstein- Bar virus (EBV) and the cytomegalovirus(CMV). (2) Symptoms (a) Fever (b) Sore throat (c) Lymph glands become swollen
(3) Causes (a) EBV causes about 85% of the cases. (b) By the age of 40, 80 to 90 percent of people have the virus in them. They can spread the virus, but may not receive any symptoms from it. Either way, they become immune to mononucleosis. (4) Diagnosis (a) Symptoms (fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands) as well as the age of the patient. (b) Physical exams may also take place. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Propper hygein and can help prevent the disease. Those with the disease don’t have to be isolated from others. There is no vaccine for mononucleosis. (b) Treated with rest, fluids, and some over-the-counter medications. xi) Poliomyelitis (Polio) (1) Characteristics (a) Poliomyelitis is a contagious devastating disease that has plagued humans since ancient times. (b) The height of polio was during the 1952 when 60,000 cases of polio were reported in the U.S. alone. 3,000 people died form this disease in the U.S. alone as well. (c) Can affect people of all age groups. (d) The actual illness lasts only about two weeks, but 30-40 years after being recovered fully, can develop post-polio-syndrome (PPS). During PPS damage is done to the nerve cells. (2) Symptoms (a) Mild- Headache, nausea, vomiting, general discomfort, slight fever. (b) Non paralytic polio- same as mild, but with an addition of moderate fever, still neck and back, and fatigue and muscle pain. (c) Paralytic polio- muscle weakness, fever, stiffness, muscle pain and spasms, and difficulty swallowing. (3) Causes (a) Polio is primarily transmitted from the ingestion of materials contaminated with the virus found in poop. (b) Not washing hands after using the bathroom and drinking contaminated water can be causes of transmitting the disease. (4) Diagnosis (a) History of exposure with no knowledge of vaccination. (b) Afterwards, a spinal trap, for CFS fluid. This helps distinguish polio from other diseases with similar symptoms. (c) If needed, healthcare providers may take a culture in order to identify whether there are polio antibodies in the body. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention- vaccination (called IVP vaccine)
(b) Treatment- mild cases of polio are treated like the flu with plenty of fluids and bed rest. xii) Rabies (1) Characteristics (a) A preventable viral disease of mammals that is often transmitted from the bite of a rabid animal. These rabid animals are usually wild raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. (b) The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, causing disease in the brain and possibly even death. (2) Symptoms (a) The early symptoms of rabies include: fever, weakness, or general discomfort. (b) As the disease progresses the symptoms are: insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water) (c) Death usually occurs within a few days after the onset of these sympoms (3) Causes (a) Rabies is caused when bitten by a rabid animal such as wild raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. (b) When bitten, the virus inspects the central nervous system and may cause the disease to reach the brain, possibly resulting in death. (4) Diagnosis (a) Rabies is diagnosed by the direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test. This test looks for the presence of rabies virus antigens in brain tissue. (b) Laboratory diagnosis of rabies in humans can be used to decide whether the animal that bites the human is rabid. This information is useful for it can prevent going through unnecessary physical, psychological trauma, and financial burdens. (c) This is also useful in the development of rabies control programs. (5) Prevention and Treatment (a) Prevention- ensuring adequet animal vaccination and control, maintaining control of pets as well as reducing the time they may spend in wildlife, spray or neuter to decreese the number of stray animals, reporting any stray or ill animal to animal control, take the Rabies Poexposure Vaccination, educating those who can or may be at risk, and by enhancing the access of appropriet medical care for those bitten. (b) There is no treatment to rabies. Death is almost certain once the symptoms begin.
xiii) Small Pox (1) Characteristics (a) Localizes on small blood vessels of the skin, and in the mouth and throat. (b) This infectious disease has two forms, Variola major and Variola minor. (c) Variola major is the most dangerous but also the most common. (d) Variola minor is less dangerous and less common, with only a death rate of 1% or less throughout history. (2) Symptoms (a) fever at about 101oF, muscle pain, malaise (feeling of illness), headache, nausea, vomiting, backaches, small reddish spots called enanthem, and fatigue. (3) Cause (a) Infect humans in nature (b) Can be spread with face to face contact with and infected person, usually within a distance of 6 feet. It can also spread by direct contact as well. (c) This virus is usually spread through the air. (d) Inside the cells, of humans, the virus can replicate in the cytoplasm of the cell rather than only in the nucleus. They can then spread from there (4) Diagnosis (a) The patient’s clinical signs of symptoms. (b) Can be diagnosed definitively by isolation of the virus from the blood or lessions, or by the identification of antibodies in the blood made in response to the virus. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention- smallpox vaccines, taking intravenous fluids, taking medications to control fever or pain, and by taking antibiotics for any secondary bacterial disease that may form. (b) Treatment- no proven treatment xiv) Viral Encephalitis (1) Characteristics (a) an acute inflamation of the brain (2) Symptoms (a) Mild- Headache, fever, confusion, drowsiness, and fatigue. (b) Advanced- severe headach, nausea and vommitting, stiff neck, disorientation, personality changes, coma, drowsiness, problems with speech or hearing, seizures, convulsions, tremors, hallucinations, and memory problems. (3) Causes (a) One of the most dangerous and uncommon way is when the Herpes simplex virus attacks the brain (b) A very rare complication of Lyme disease
(c) Mosquitoes that may contain the West Nile Virus (d) Milder forms can follow common childhood disease (chickenpox, measles, etc.) (e) Some bacterial infections, such as meningitis can also cause encephalitis (4) Diagnosis (a) Imaging tests (used to check bleeding or other abnormalities) (i) Computed tomography (CT) (ii) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (b) Electroencephalogram (EEG) (i) Records the electrical signals of the brain, to check for abnormal brain activity. (c) Blood tests (i) To detect the presence of the bacteria or virus in the blood (ii) To detect the presence of antibodies that may be fighting a germ (d) Lumbar Puncture (spinal trap) (i) Cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) is checked for signs of infection. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (b) Treatment- antiviral drugs can be used to treat some forms of the disease, over-the-counter medications (treat fever and headaches). (i) MOST PEOPLE MAKE A FULL RECOVERY, but some brain damage may become permanent. xv) Viral Pneumonia (1) Characteristics (a) Pneumonia is the inflammation of the lungs due to am infection of a virus (b) Most cases are mild and can be cured in 1-3 weeks at home (c) Some cases of the disease are serious and will require hospitalization (2) Symptoms (a) Cough (b) Fever (c) Shaking Chills (d) Shortness of breath (3) Cause (a) More likely to occur in young children and old adults because their immune system is unable to fight off the virus as easily as others (b) Can be caused by several viruses (i) Adenovirus (ii) Influenza (iii) Parainfluenza (iv) Respiratory Syncytial Virus (4) Diagnosis
(a) A physical exam (b) A chest x-ray (c) Complete Blood Count (CBC) (d) Blood tests (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Wash hands often (ii) Don’t smoke (iii) Vaccines xvi) West Nile Fever (1) Characteristics (a) A mosquito-born virus (b) Commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East (2) Symptoms (a) Mild(i) Fever (ii) Headache (iii) Stiff neck (iv)Muscle weakness (v) Mental confusion (b) Rare (severe) (i) High fever (ii) Tremors (iii) Disorientation (3) Cause (a) Usually only spread from infected mosquitoes to animals and humans (i) Mosquitoes get infected when they feed on infected bids (b) Usually infections occur during warm periods, when mosquitoes are the most active. (4) Diagnosis (a) Doctors can test blood and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord for the virus (b) Laboratory Tests (i) Blood test (ii) Positive ribonucleic test (RNA) (c) Lumbar Puncture (spinal trap) (i) Analyze cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. (d) Brain Tests (i) In some cases, electroencephalography (EGG) 1. a procedure that tests the brain’s activity (ii) MRI scan to detect any brain inflammation (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Eliminate standing water in a yard
xvii) (1)
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(ii) Unclog roof gutters (iii) Empty unused swimming pools (iv)Change birdbath water at least twice a week (v) Remove old tires or any other place where warm water can collect and become a nesting place for mosquitoes. (vi)Wear long sleeves in mosquito infected areas (b) Treatment (i) Recovery is common with no treatment. (ii) Over-the-counter medications can be taken to ease mild headaches and muscle aches. Yellow Fever Characteristics (a) Caused by a certain species of mosquitos (b) Commonly found in South America and Africa (i) Usually effects the travelers in these areas Symptoms (a) Acute phase (i) Fever (ii) Headache (iii) Muscle aches (iv)Nausea, vomiting (v) Loss of appetite (vi) Dizziness (vii) red eyes, face, or tongue (b) Toxic Phase (i) Yellowing of skin and the whites of the eyes (ii) Abdominal pain and vomiting, sometimes blood (iii) Decreased urination (iv)Bleeding from your nose, mouth, and eyes (v) Heart dysfunction (vi)Liver and kidney failure (vii) Brain dysfunction, seizures, coma Cause (a) Spreads by the Aedes aegypti mosquito (i) Live in the cleanest of waters (ii) Usually cause yellow fever in Sub- Saharan Africa and in tropical South America. (b) Humans and Monkeys are most commonly infected with the virus (c) The mosquito carries the virus back and forth with different humans, monkeys, or both. (i) When a human or monkey is infected, and another mosquito bites the infected mammal, the virus is carried into the mosquito’s blood stream and then infects the next human or monkey bitten. Diagnosis (a) Questions asked about medical and travel history (b) Blood tests
(i) The blood tests may reveal the virus itself (ii) If not, other blood test (such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polumerase chain reaction (PCR)) can detect antigens and antibodies specific to the virus. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Vaccine (ii) Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during periods when mosquitoes are most prevalent (iii) Wear long-sleeved shirts in mosquito infected areas (iv)Stay in air conditioned, and screened housing (b) Treatment (i) Supportive care in a hospital 1. providing: fluids, oxygen 2. Maintaining adequate blood pressure, replacing lost blood. 2) Bacterial i) Anthrax (1) Characteristics (a) Caused by a spore-producing bacterium known as Bacillus Anthracis (b) Effect mainly livestock and game, but can also effect humans during direct or indirect contact with a sick animal (c) Usually enters body through a wound in the sking (2) Symptoms (a) Cutaneous anthrax (i) A raised, itchy bump that appears to look like a bug bite. Quickly, the bump developes into a sore with a black center. (ii) Swelling of the sore and nearby lymph glands (b) Gastrointestinal anthrax (i) Nausea (ii) Vomiting (iii) Loss of appititle (iv) Fever (v) Diarrhea (vi) Sore throat and difficulty swallowing (vii) swollen neck (c) Inhalation (pulmonary) anthrax (i) Flu-like symptoms (ii) Mild chest discomfort (iii) (the following are possible) (iv)high fever (v) trouble breathing (vi)Shock (vii) Meningitis (3) Cause (a) Anthrax spores are naturally formed in the soil in many places around the world
(b) Could remain dormant for years until it finds a host (c) Humans get infected once they get in contact with the infected animals or their skin or meat (4) Diagnosis (a) Skin Testing (i) A sample of fluid from a suspicious lesion on the skin or a small tissue sample gets tested (b) Blood tests (i) If done (usually doesn’t) a small amount of blood will get drawn to check for signs of the bacteria (c) Chest X-ray or Computer Tomography (CT) (i) May be done to help diagnose inhalation anthrax (d) Endoscopy or stool samples (i) To diagnose intestinal anthrax, a doctor may examine the throat or intestines with an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a capera at the end) (ii) Stool may be checked for any anthrax bacteria (e) Spinal Trap (Lumbar Puncture) (i) A small amount of fluid is taken from the spinal canal. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Antibiotics (b) Treatment (i) A 60-day course of antibiotics ii) Bacterial Meningitis (1) Characteristics (a) Serious infection in the fluid around the spinal cord and the fluid around the brain (b) More serious than viral born meningitis (c) Usually caused by the following three bacteria: Haemophilus influnezae type b, Nesseria meningitids, and Steptococcus pneumonia (2) Symptoms (a) High fever (b) Headache (c) Stiff Neck (d) Nausea (e) Vomiting (f) Sensitivity to light (g) Confusion (h) Sleepiness (i) Possible bruises (3) Cause (a) Most commonly caused by three types of bacteria (i) Haemophilus influenzae type b (ii) Neisseria Meningitidis (iii) Strptococcus pneumoniae
(b) Spreads by direct close contact with and infected person (c) Not very contagious and doesn’t spread by casual contact or by simply breathing air where a person with meningitis has been (4) Diagnosis (a) Growing bacterial from a sample of spinal fluid (i) Fluid is obtained by spinal trap that is a needle that is inserted into the lower back (ii) Identification of which bacteria was responsible for the disease can help select the correct antibiotic treatment
(5) Treatment ad Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Vaccine 1. Against each bacteria (ii) Disease Reporting 1. Cases of bacterial meningitis should be reported to state or local health authorities (iii) Treatment of close contacts 1. Those with close contacts with with a person with meningitis should be given antibiotics to prevent them from receiving the disease. (iv)Travel Precautions 1. Overseas travelers should check to see if meninococcal vaccine is recommended for their destination. 2. Travelers should receive the vaccine at least a week before departure (b) Treatment (i) A number of effective antibiotics (ii) Treatment should begin as early as possible iii) Bacterial Pneumonia (1) Characteristics (a) Body keeps bacteria from infecting the lungs. When bacteria reproduce in the lungs during bacterial pneumonia, the body tries to fight the infection. This causes inflammation (b) When inflammation occurs in the alveoli (microscopic air sacs in the longs), they fill with fluid. Lungs become less elastic and cannot take oxygen into the lungs or take carbon dioxide away from the lungs. (2) Symptoms (a) High fever and chills (b) Come on very quickly (c) Leads to the production of yellow or brown sputum when coughing (d) May be chest pain and sore chest (e) Shortness of breath (f) Elders may have confusion or change in their mental abilities (3) Cause (a) Most commonly caused by : (i) Streptococcus pneumoniae (ii) Haemophilus influenzae (iii) Chlamydia pneumoniae (iv)Mycoplasma pneumoniae (v) Legionella pneumonphila (b) Inhalation of toxic materials can cause chemical pneumonia (c) Aspirate bacteria from the upper airway, usually the oral cavity (d) Breathing infected air droplets (e) Improperly cleaned air conditioner or Jacuzzi
(f) Can enter body from any source and get caught in blood stream, eventually reaching lungs (4) Diagnosis (a) Simply by a doctor listening to the lungs by using a stethoscope (b) Pulse oximetry (i) A probe that looks like a clothespin is attached to finger, toe, or ear (ii) A special light shines through the skin to estimate how much oxygen is in the bloodstream (iii) Lower bloodstream may be cause of pneumonia (c) An X-ray of the chest (d) Some blood may be drawn from arteries (i) Tells how much carbon dioxide gets exchange for exygen (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Vaccines (b) Treatment (i) Antibiotics (ii) A lot of Nonalcoholic fluids (iii) Cough suppressant to help clear infection out of the lungs by coughing (iv)Breathing tube in windpipe to do the breathing for the body iv) Botulism (1) Characteristics (a) Rare but serious disease (b) Caused by toxins from a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum (c) Three types (i) Infant botulism 1. bacterial spores grow in baby’s intestinal tract 2. usually occurs in those between the ages of 2 and 6 months (ii) Food-borne botulism 1. Bacteria thrive and produce toxins in environments with little oxygen, such as in canned foods (iii) Wound botulism 1. bacteria get in the body though a cut (d) can cause death (2) Symptoms (a) Infant botulism (i) Constipation (ii) Floppy movements (from muscle weakness), trouble controlling head (iii) Weak cry (iv)Irritability (v) Drooling (vi)Drooping eyelids (vii) Tiredness (viii) Difficulty sucking or feeding
(ix)Paralysis (b) Food-borne and wounded botulism (i) Difficulty swallowing or speaking (ii) Facial weakness on both sides of the face (iii) Blurred vision (iv)Drooping eyelids (v) Trouble breathing (vi)Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps (only in food-borne) (vii) Paralysis (3) Cause (a) Infant botulism (i) After consuming spores of the bacteria (ii) Source may be honey, but most likely soil contaminated with the bacteria (b) Food-borne botulism (i) Home-canned foods 1. Green beans, corn beets (ii) Fermented seafood (iii) Any other food that contains toxins (iv)Eaten infected food disrupts nerve function, causing paralysis (c) Wound botulism (i) Bacteria get into a wound caused by an injury probably not noticed (ii) They can then multiply and produce toxins (iii) Increases chance for those who inject heroin or inhaling cocaine (4) Diagnosis (a) Checked for signs of weakness or paralysis (b) Asked about what recent foods have been eaten (c) Any recent wounds (d) A blood test (e) Analysis of stool or vomit (5) Treatment and prevention (a) Prevention (i) Pressure cook canned foods at 250oF for at least 30 min (ii) Consider boiling foods for 10 minutes before serving (iii) Prepare and store food safely (iv)Infant botulism 1. Avoid giving honey to babies under the age of 1 year (v) Wound botulism 1. Never inject or inhale drugs (b) Treatment (i) Clear out the digestive system (ii) Remove infected tissue surgically v) Cholera (1) Characteristics (a) Spreads through contaminated water
(b) Can be fatal in a matter of hours (c) Easily treated (if done in time) (2) Symptoms (a) Severe, watery diarrhea (b) Nausea and vomiting (c) Muscle cramps (d) Dehydration (e) Shock (f) Extreme drowsiness or even coma (this and following relate to children) (g) Fever (h) Convulsions (3) Cause (a) Contaminated water supplies (b) Can also come from raw shellfish, uncooked fruits and vegetables, and other foods. (c) Caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria (4) Diagnosis (a) Identify bacteria in a stool sample (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Wash hands (especially before eating or preparing food) 1. Hot, soapy water (ii) Avoid untreated water (iii) Eat food that is completely cooked and hot (iv)Avoid sushi (v) Be careful with fruits and vegetables 1. should be cooked or have thick skins that can be self peeled (vi)Be wary of dairy foods 1. try to avoid ice cream, which is often contaminated (vii) Cholera vaccine (b) Treatment (i) Rehydration 1. replace fluids lost from diarrhea (ii) Intravenous fluids (iii) Antibiotics (iv)Zinc supplements vi) Dental Caries (tooth decay) (1) Characteristics (a) Also known as a cavity (b) Teeth damage by bacterial processes (2) Symptoms (a) Loss of tooth (b) Pain in the tooth (c) Bad breath (d) Foul tastes
(e) Tooth’s affected areas become soft to the touch and change color (3) Causes (a) Teeth (i) Loss of enamel (cannot protect tooth) (b) Bacteria (i) Strptococcus mutans (ii) Lactobacilli (iii) Lactbacillus acidophilus (iv)Actinomyces viscosus (v) Nocardia spp. (vi)Steptococcus mutans (c) Fenrmentable carbohydrates (i) Bacteria can convert glucose, fructose, and sucrose into acids such as lactic through a process called fermatcation (d) Time (i) During every exposure to the acid environments caused from bacteria in the mouth, portions of the inorganic mineral content at the surface of teeth dissolves and can remain dissolved for two hours. (4) Diagnosis (a) Inspection of al visible tooth surfaces using a good light source, dental mirror, and explorer. (b) Dental radiographs may show dental caries before it is visible (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Brushing and flossing daily (b) Treatment (i) A dental handpiece (“drill”) is used toremove large portions o decayed material from a tooth. (ii) The missing tooth structure receives a dental restoration of some sort to return the tooth to functionality and aesthetic condition vii) Gonorrhea (1) Characteristics (a) Sexually transmitted (b) Babies can also get the disease (2) Symptoms (a) In Men (i) Painful urination (ii) Pus-like discharge (iii) Pain or swelling in genital area (b) In woman (i) Increased vaginal discharge (ii) Painful urination (iii) Vaginal bleeding between periods (iv)Abdominal Pain (v) Pelvis pain
(3) Cause (a) Passed from sexual contact (4) Diagnosis (a) Urine test (b) Swab of affected area (c) Tests for other sexually transmitted diseases (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Do not have sexual contact with those with a risk of having the disease (b) Treatment (i) Antibiotics viii) Legionnaire’s Disease (1) Characteristics (a) Type of pneumonia caused by a bacteria (b) Doesn’t spread from person to person (c) Can be life-threatening (2) Symptoms (a) Headache (b) Muscle pain (c) Chills (d) Fever that may be 104oF or higher (e) Chough (may bring up mucus or even blood) (f) Shortness of breath (g) Chest pain (h) Fatigue (i) Loss of appetite (j) Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) (k) Confusion or other mental changes (3) Cause (a) Bacteria: Legionella pneumophila (i) Survive in soil and water outdoors (ii) Indoors, the bacteria can multiply in all kinds of water systems (hot tubs, air conditioning, mist sprayers, swimming pools, etc.) (iii) Become infected when one inhales microscopic water droplets containing legionella bacteria (4) Diagnosis (a) Blood tests (b) A chest X-ray (c) Tests on a sample of sputum or lung tissue (d) A CT scan of the brain or a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Meticulous cleaning and isinfection of water systems, pools and spas. (ii) Avoid smoing
(b) Treatment (i) Antibiotics ix) Lyme Disease (1) Characteristics (a) Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdoferi (b) Deer ticks can harbor the bacteria and spread it while feeding (c) More likely if you live or spent time in grassy and heavily wooded areas (2) Symptoms (a) Rash (i) Begins as a small red bump (ii) Over the next few day, the bump becomes a rash (b) Flu-like symptoms (i) Fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, headaches (c) Migratory joint pain (i) Joints with pain can shift (d) Neurological problems (i) Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain (ii) Temporary paralysis of one side of the face (iii) Numbness or weakness in limbs (iv)Impaired muscle movement (e) Less common (i) Heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat) (ii) Eye inflammation (iii) Hepatitis (iv)Sever fatigue (3) Cause (a) Bacteria carried by ticks (b) Ticks attack themselves to a host and feed on the host’s blood until they’re swollen to many times their normal size. (c) Bacteria may transmit to a healthy host during the above process (4) Diagnosis (a) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. (i) Detects antibodies that may have been formed from Lyme Disease (ii) It can, however provide false positive results, so it is not the sole purpose for the diagnosis (b) Western Blot Test (i) If the ELISA test is positive, the western blot test will be done to confirm the diagnosis (ii) This test detects antibodies to several proteins of B. burgdorferi (c) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (i) This test detects bacterial DNA in fluid drawn from an infected joint. (ii) Used for people who have chronic Lyme arthritis
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It may also be used to detect persistent infection in the cerebrospinal fluid of people who have nervous system symptoms. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention(i) Wear long plants and sleeves when walking in wooded or grassy areas (ii) Use insect repellents (iii) Do your best to tick-proof your yard (iv)Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks (v) Don’t assume that you’re immune after getting and treating Lyme disease (vi)Remove a tick with tweezers (b) Treatment (i) Antibiotics 1. Oral antibiotics a. Good for early stages 2. Intravenous antibiotics a. Good after the disease has progressed (ii) Avoid Bismacine 1. Taking it may lead to heart and kidney failure x) Peptic Ulcer Disease (1) Characteristics (a) A sore in the inner lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. (b) Develops when the intestine or stomach’s protective layer is broken down (c) Digestive juices can then damage the intestine and stomach tissue (2) Symptoms (a) A burning, aching, gnawing pain between the belly butto and the breastbone. Pain is possible on the back. Pain comes and goes for weeks (b) Loss of appetite and weight loss (c) Bloating or nausea after eating (d) Vomiting (e) Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds (f) Passing black stools that look like tar, or stool that contain dark red blood (3) Cause (a) The following causes of peptic ulcers break down the stomach or intestine’s protective mucus layer. This layer prevents digestive juices from damaging the stomach and intestine. (i) Infection whigh Helicobacter pylori bacteria (ii) Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (4) Diagnosis (a) Questioned about symptoms (b) Physical exam (c) Simple tests using blood, breath, or stool
(d) Only way to know for sure if you have an ulcer is to do a more complicated test called an endoscopy. (i) The endoscopy test looks for an ulcer and test ofr H. pulori infection. This test, in other words, helps the doctor look inside the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Don’t begin smoking or quit if you already began (ii) Avoid taking certain medicines (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (iii) Limit alcoholic beverages to at max 2 drinks a day for men and one drink a day for woman (b) Treatment (i) Take medications that reduce that amount of digestive acid (ii) If caused by bacteria, antibiotics may need to be taken. xi) Pertussis (whooping caugh) (1) Characteristics (a) A highly contagious respiratory tract infection (b) It is marked with a severe, hacking cough followed by a high pitch intake of breath that sounds like, “Whoop” (c) During first half the 20th century, whooping cough was the leading cause of childhood illness and death in the United States (d) Today, it only affects children too young to receive the vaccine and in teenagers and adults, whose immunities have faded. (2) Symptoms (a) Mild (i) Runny nose (ii) Nasal conjestion (iii) Sneezing (iv)Red, watery eyes (v) A mild fever (vi)Dry cough (b) Severe (i) Bring up thick phlegm (ii) Provoke vomiting (iii) Results in a red or blu face (iv) Cause extreme fatigue (v) End with a high-pitched “whoop” sound during the next breath of air (3) Cause (a) Caused by bacteria (b) When an infected person sneezes, tiny germ-laden droplets are sprayed into the air and breathed into the lungs of anyone who happens to be nearby. (c) Once inside the airways, the bacteria can multiply and produce toxins that interfere with the respiratory tract’s ability to seep away germs
(d) Thick mucus accumulates inside the airways, causing uncontrollable coughing (e) Bacteria can also cause inflammation that narrows breathing tubs in the lungs. This leaves the host gasping for air, causing the “whoop” sound to be made (4) Diagnosis (a) A nose or throat culture test (b) Blood tests (i) Used to check high white blood cell count (c) A chest x-ray (i) To check for the presence of inflammation or fluid in the lungs (5) Treatment and prevention (a) Prevention (i) Pertussis vaccine (ii) Booster shots (b) Treatment (i) Antibiotics (ii) Cough relief 1. doesn’t relive pertussis. 2. over-the-counter medications are discouraged for the lack of effect in this disease xii) Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (1) Characteristics (a) A potentially serious bacterial infection transmitted to humans by tick bites (b) First identified in the Rocky Mountain region (c) Rocky Mountain spotted fever doesn’t spread from person to person (d) Progresses rapidly, so prompt treatment is important. (2) Symptoms (a) Initial signs of the disease (i) High fever (ii) Chills (iii) Severe headache (iv)Sensitivity to light (photophobia) (v) Nausea and vomiting (vi)Abdominal pain (vii) Loss of appetite (viii) Fatigue (b) Other signs and symptoms that progress later on (i) Red-spotted or blotchy rash on wrists or ankles (ii) Widespread aches and pains (iii) Diarrhea (iv)Restlessness (v) Delirium (3) Cause (a) Caused by infection with the organism Rickettsia rickettsii
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(b) Can come from infected tick bites (c) Can also come from broken skin (i) Contact with bacteria through broken skin (such as cut or scrape) in the hands or fingers (ii) Also infection can occur in one touches an infected tick and then themselves Diagnosis (a) Evaluating signs and symptoms (b) Conducting physical examination (c) Testing a blood sample, rash specimen or the tick itself for the presence of the organism that caused the infection Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Wear long pants and sleeves in wooded or grassy areas (ii) Use insect repellants (iii) Do your best to tick-proof your yard (iv)Check yourself and pets for ticks (v) Don’t assume that you are immune (vi)Remove a tick with tweezers and apply antiseptic to the bite area immediately. (b) Treatment (i) Carefully removing the tick from the skin (ii) Taking antibiotic medications for 7-10 days and at least three day after the fever and other symptoms subside Strep Throat Characteristics (a) A bacterial infection that makes your throat fell sore and scratchy (b) More severe than viral caused throat infections (c) If untreated, strep throat can also cause kidney inflammations and rheumatic fever. Symptoms (a) Throat pain (b) Difficulty swallowing (c) Red and swollen tonsils, sometime with white patches or streaks of pus (d) Tiny red spots on the soft or hard palate- the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (e) Swollen, tender lymph glands in the side of the neck (f) Fever (g) Headache (h) Rash (i) Stomachache and sometimes vomiting, especially in younger children (j) Fatigue Cause (a) Caused by the bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus
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(b) These bacteria spread through airborne droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks. (c) The bacteria can also be picked up from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose or mouth Diagnosis (a) Throat culture (i) A swab is rubbed over the back of the throat and tonsils to get a sample of the secretions (ii) The culture could take as long as two days (b) Rapid antigen test (i) Detects strep bacteria in minutes by looking for foreign substances (antigens) in the throat. (ii) Can help begin antibiotic treatment as fast as possible (iii) These tests however can miss some strep throat infections, being a reason why these tests aren’t the only ones used. (c) Rapid DNA test (i) Use DNA technology to detect strep throat from a throat swab in a day or less. These tests are as accurate as throat cultures and are available sooner. Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Clean your hands (ii) Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing (iii) Don’t share personal items with someone with the infection (drinking glasses, eating utensils) (b) Treatment (i) Antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin can be taken (ii) Home remedies 1. Get plenty of rest 2. Drink plenty of water 3. Eat soothing foods (soup applesauce, etc.) 4. Gargle with warm water and a little bit of table salt. 5. Use a humidifier 6. stay away from irritants such as cigarette smoke Syphilis Characteristics (a) Sexually transmitted (b) The symptoms can come and go constantly (c) Easy to cure with antibiotics if caught early Symptoms (a) A skin lesion appears at the point of contact called a chancre. (b) Fever, (c) Sore throat (d) Malaise (e) Weight loss (f) Hair loss
(g) Headache (h) Hepatitis (i) Kidney disease (j) Arthritis (k) Optic neuritis (3) Cause (a) The disease travels from person to person during direct contact. (b) Cannot spread through indirect ways such as sharing toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, sharing utensils, and sharing clothing (4) Diagnosis (a) Examining materials from sores for presence of the bacteria (b) Blood tests can be done to check for signs of the antibodies that come from having the disease. (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Avoid contact with an infected person (ii) Do not drink alcohol or other drugs at a high amount (b) Treatment (i) Take antibiotics xv) Tetanus (1) Characteristics (a) A serious bacterial infection that affect the nercous system (b) Leads to painful muscle contractions, particularly of the jaw and nech muscles. (c) Can ultimately threaten lives (2) Symptoms (a) Spasms and stiffness in the jaw muscles (b) Stiffness of the neck muscles (c) Difficulty swallowing (d) Stiffness of the abdominal muscles (e) Painful body spasms, lasting for several minuts, typically triggered by minor occurrences, such as a draft, loud noice, physical touch or light. (f) Fever (g) Sweating (h) Elevated blood pressure (i) Rapid heart rate (3) Cause (a) The bacteria that causes tetanus is called Clostridium tetani. (b) Bacteria are found in soil, dust and animal feces. (c) When these bacteria enter a deep flesh wound, spores of the bacteria may produce a powerful toxin, tetanospasmin, which actively impairs the motor neurons, neves that control the muscles. (4) Diagnosis (a) Physical exam (b) Medical and immunization
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(c) History (d) Signs and syptoms of muscle spasms, stiffness and pain (e) Laboratory tests generally aren’t helpful for diagnosing tetanus. Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Vaccine to be immunized against the tocins (ii) At home, the disease can be prevented with home remadies such as: controling bleeding, kepp the wound clean, use an antibiotic, cover the wound, change the dressing. (b) Treatment (i) No direct cure for the disease. (ii) Can be controled by taking medications such as Antitoxin, Antibiotics, vaccine, sedatives, and other drugs Toxic Shock Syndrome Characteristics (a) Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare, life-threatening coplication of bacterial infection that has mostly been associated with the use of superabsorbent tampins and occasionally with the use of contraceptive sponges (b) Usually happens with women, but can also affect men (c) Sign and syptoms of the disease develop suddenly, and the disease can be fatal. Symptoms (a) A sudden high fever (b) Low blood pressure (hupotension) (c) Vomiting or diarrhea (d) A rach resembling a sunburn, particularly on the palms and soles which, agter a week or so, generally leads to peeling of the skin on the hands and feet (e) Confusion (f) Muscle aches (g) Redness of the eyes, mouth and throat (h) Seizures (i) Headaches Causes (a) It is unsure how tampons may cause toxic shock syndrime, but reaserchers believe that when superabsorbent tampons are left in place for a long time, the tampons becoime a breeding ground for bacteria. Diagnosis (a) There is nos specific test for toxic shock syndrome. One may need to provide blood and uring samples to test the presence of a staph or strep infection Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Changing tampons frequently, at least every four to eight hours. (ii) Considering the lowest absorbency tampins possible
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Use other things such as sanitary napkins and use minipads instead dof tampons whenever possible (b) Treatment (i) If you develop the disease, you will probably be hospitalized (ii) You will receive antibiotics and doctors will try to determine the source of the infection. (iii) If blood pressure drops, fluids may need to be taken to treat dehydration (iv)If toxins produced by strp bacteria and accompanying hypotension result in kidney failure, the patient may need dialysis. Tuberculosis Characteristics (a) Primarily affects the lungs. (b) Spread from person to person through the air from tiny droplets reliced via coughs and sneezes (c) Potentially serious infectious disease (d) Two types of tuberculosis (i) Lantent TB 1. Patient has a TB infection, but the bacteria in the body are in an inactive state and cause no symptoms. 2. Latent TB isn’t contagious (ii) Active TB 1. Makes the patient sick and is contagious 2. Most people infected with TB germs never develop active TB Symptoms (can only come from active TB) (a) Caugh (b) Unexplained weight loss (c) Fatigue (d) Fever (e) Night sweats (f) Chills (g) loss of appetite Cause (a) Caused by bacteria that spread from person to person through microscopic droplets released into the air (b) Is contagious, but not easy to catch (c) When a person is infected with the HIV virus, the body may not be able to control TB bacteria, causing tuberculosis Diagnosis (a) Physical exam (i) Doctor checks lymph nodes for swelling (ii) Doctor uses a stethoscope to listen carefully to the sounds the lungs make when breathing. (b) Skin Tests (c) Blood tests (d) Chest X-ray
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(i) Helps doctor chose which medication would be the most effective Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (if you have active TB) (i) Stay home (ii) Ventilate the room (iii) Cover the mouth when caughing and sneezing (iv)Wear a surgical mask when around other people (b) Treatment (i) May take antibiotics (ii) Other medications 1. Isoniazid 2. Rifampin 3. Ethambutol (Myambutol) 4. Pyrazinamide Typhus Characteristics (a) A bacterial disease spread by lice or fleas (b) Without treatment, death from typhus can occur in 10-60% of patients with epidemic typhus (c) Less than 2% of untreated patients with murine typhus may die Symptoms (a) Abdominal paib (b) Backache (c) Dull red rash that begins on the middle of the body and spreads (d) Extremely high fever (105-106 degrees Fahrenheit) (e) Hacking, dry cough (f) Headache (g) Joint pain (h) Nausea (i) Vomiting Cause (a) Caused by twp types of bacteria: Rickettsia typhi or Rickettsia prowazekii (i) Rickettsia typhi 1. causes murine or endemic typhus a. endemic typhus is uncommon in the US and is found in areas wher hygiene is poor and the temperature is cold b. Murine Typhus occur in the southeastern and southern US (ii) Rickettsia prowazekii 1. causes epidemic typhus and Brill-Zinsser disease a. Brill-Zinsser is a mild for mof epidemic typhus b. Occurs when the disease re-activates in a person who was previously infected c. More common in the elderly Diagnosis (a) A complete Blood Count showing:
(i) High level of typhus antibodies (ii) Low levels of albumin (a protein made in the liver) (iii) LowSodium level (iv)Mild kidney failure (v) Mildly high liver enzymes (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Avoid areas that mite contain rat fleas or lice. (ii) Good sanitation and public health measures (iii) If inflection has been found, get rid of lice by: 1. bathing 2. boiling clothes or avioding infected clothing for at least 5 days 3. Using insecticides (b) Treatment (i) Take antibiotics, such as: 1. Doxycycline 2. Tetracycline 3. Chloramphenicol (less common) (ii) Patients with ebdemic typhus may also need intravenous fluids and oxygen 3) Fungal Diseases i) Athlete’s Foot (1) Characteristics (a) Developes in the moist areas between the toes and sometimes on other parts of the foot (b) Also called tinea pedis (c) Most common type of fungal infection (2) Symptoms (a) Ithching, stinging and buring between the toes (b) Itching, stingins and buing on the soles of the feet (c) Itchy blisters (d) Cracking and peeling skin (e) Excessive dryness of the skin on the botton or sides of the feet (f) Toenails that are thick, crumbly, ragged, discolored or pulling away from the nail bed. (3) Cause (a) A group of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes cause the infection (i) Normally found on the skin, and their growth stays in check as long as the skin is clen and dry (b) Athlete’s foot thrive in thick, tight shoes that sqeeze the toes together and create warm, moist areas between them (c) Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions alsop favor the organism’s growth (d) Is contagious and can spread via contact with the infected person (4) Diagnosis
(a) Take skin scrapings or sample from the infected area and views them under a microscope (b) Exem the area with a Wood’s lanp to see if there is a reddish flurescence caused by erythrasma bacteria (c) A culture may also be taken to see if the sample will help grow fungi (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Keep feet dry (ii) Go with natural materials for socks (iii) Changs socks and stockings regularly (iv)Wear light, well ventilated shoes (v) Wear alternate pairs of shoes (vi)Protect feet in public places (vii) Treat feet (viii) Don’t share shoes (b) Treatment (i) Over-the-counter medications can be taken to keep feet dry 1. Butenafine 2. Clptrimazole 3. Miconazole 4. Terbinafine 5. Tolnaftate (ii) Prescribed medication that are for the same purpose, but are just a lottle bit storger 1. clotrimazole 2. miconazole 3. itraconazole 4. fluconazole 5. terbinafine ii) Histoplasmosis (1) Characteristics (a) Transmitted by airborne spores that are breathed in when working in or around soil containing a fungus call Histoplasm capsulatum (b) Affects the lungs (c) Can spread to other organs or tissues outside the lungs (d) Can be serious, but most of the time, symptoms are never noticed (e) Four forms of histoplasmosis (i) Asymptomatic primary histoplasmosis 1. most common form of histoplasmosis 2. usually causes no sogns or symptoms in otherwise healthy people 3. small scars in the lungs are the only signs of the infection (ii) Acute symptomatic pulmonary histoplasmosis 1. happens with otherwise healthy people who have had intense exposure to Histoplasm capsulatum
2. can range from a brief period of not feeling well to a serious illness (iii) Chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis 1. usually affects those with an underlying lung disease, shuch as emphusema 2. if left untreated, the disease can leat to disabling lung problems (iv)Disseminated histoplasmosis 1. occurs primarily in infants and peple with compromised immne systems. 2. Can affect any part of the body (2) Symptoms (a) Asymptomatic primary histoplasmosis (i) Small scars in the lungs (b) Acute symptomatic pulmonary histoplasmosis (i) Fever (ii) Muscle aches (iii) Headache (iv) Dry cough (v) Chills (vi) Chest Pain (vii) Loss of Aappetite (viii) Sweats (excessive sweating) (ix)The following can possibly happen: 1. arthritis 2. inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart (pericarditis) 3. Sever acute pulmonary syndrom a. Breathing becomes difficult (c) Chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis (i) Fever (ii) Night Sweats (iii) A cough that may bring up blood (iv) Shortness of breath (v) Weight loss (d) Disseminated histoplasmosis (i) Fever (ii) Weight loss (iii) Enlarged spleen (iv)Enlarged liver (v) Pneumonia (vi)Inflammation of the pericarditis (vii) Meningitis (viii) Poorly functioning adrenal gland (ix)Ulcers of the mouth, tongue or intestinal tract (3) Causes (a) Spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum can be taken into the body when a person breathes them in form the air
(i) Usually found in people who work in places near the dirt where the spores can produce (b) When the spores enter the lungs, they settle in the small air sacs (c) Most often, symptoms aren’t present, but the spores can enter the bloodsteam and travel to other parts of the body (d) Even if you have had the disease in the past, you can still get the infection again (e) Fungus in found in the temperate regions of the world (4) Diagnosis (a) Fungal Culture (i) Most used to diagnose histoplasmosis (ii) Small amount of blood, mucus or tissue from the lymph nodes, lungs pr bone marrow is placed used (b) Fungal stain (i) A tissue sample is stained with dye and examined under a microscope (c) Urine and blood tests (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Spray contaminated soil with water before work to prevent the sprores from being released into the air (ii) Use an effective face mask to prevent getting the spores into the lungs (b) Treatment (i) Usually doesn’t require treatment, but if serious antifungal medications can be taken 1. Amphoterocine B 2. itraconazole iii) Ringworm (1) Characteristics (a) A fungal infection that developes on the top layer of the skin (b) It is characterized by an itchy, red circular rash with healthy-looking skin (2) Symptoms (a) A circular rash on the skin that’s red and inflamed aroud the edge and healthy looking in the middle (b) Slighltly raised expanding reings of red, scaly skin on the trunk or face (c) A round, flat patch of itchy skin (3) Causes (a) Human to human (i) Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person (b) Animal to human (i) Tougning an animal with ringworm (ii) Spreads while petting or grooming dogs or cats (iii) Can also get ringworm from ferrets, rabbits, goats, pigs, and horses
(c) Object to human (i) Contact with obects or surfaces that an infected human or animal recently touched or rubbed against (d) Soil to human (i) Contact with infected soil (4) Diagnosis (a) Take skin skrappings or samples from the infected area and look at them under a microscope (b) Caulture can also be taken (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Educate yourself and others about the diseas (ii) Keep clean (iii) Stay cool and dry (expecially during warm, humid weather) (iv)Acoid infected animals (v) Don’t share personal items (b) Treatment (i) Over-the-counter medications (ii) Persciptioned medications 1. Butenafine 2. Ciclopirox 3. Econazole 4. Griseofulvin 5. Itraconazole 6. Fluceonazole iv) Thrush (1) Characteristics (a) A condition in which the fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of the mouth (b) Can affect anyone, but are more likely to occur in babies and people who wear dentures, use inhaled corticosteroids, or have compromised immune systems. (c) Oral thrush is a minor problem if a person is healthy, but with a weakened immune system, oral thruch symptoms can become more severe and difficult to control (2) Symptoms (a) Creamy, white lesions on the tongue, inner cheks, and sometimes on the roof of the mouth, gums and tonsils. (b) Lesions with a cottage cheese-like appearance (c) Pain (d) Slight bleeding if the lesions are rubbed or scraped (e) Cracking at the corners of the mouth (f) A cottony feeling in the mouth (g) Loss of taste (3) Causes
(a) Form when the immune system is weakened by disease or drugs such as prednisone, or when antibiotics disturb the natural balance of microorganisms in the body. (b) The following illnesses may make oral thrush infection more suitable (i) HIV/AIDS (ii) Cancer (iii) Diabetes mellitus (iv)Vaginal yest infections (4) Diagnosis (a) Simply by lookaing at the lessions (b) Sometimes, a small sample is examined under a microscope (c) A physical exam or blood test may be taken if a doctor is sure no other identified risk factors for the disease are present (d) If in esophagus, the following tests can be done (i) Throat culture (ii) Endoscopic examination (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Rinse mouth (ii) Try using fresh-culture yogurt when taking antibiotics (iii) Treat any diseases that may lower immunity (iv)See the dentist regularly (v) Watch what gets eaten (b) Treatment (i) Eating unsweetened yogurt lessens the infection (ii) Antifungal medication 4) Protozoan/Algal Diseeases i) Malaria (1) Characteristics (a) Caused by parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes (b) Kills about 1 million people each year worldwide (c) Uncommon in temperate climates (d) Prevalent in tropical and subtrobocal countries (2) Symptoms (begin within a week after a bite from an infected mosquitoe) (a) Moderate to severe shaking chills (b) High fever (c) Profuse sweating as body temperature falls (d) Headache (e) Nausea (f) Vomiting (g) Diarrhea (3) Causes (a) Caused by a microscopic parasite that’s transmitted most commonly by mosquito bites (b) Mosquito transmission cycle
(i) Uninfected mosquito 1. becomes infected by feading on a person who has malaria (ii) Transmission of parasite 1. next person bitten may also get malaria (iii) In the liver 1. The parasites travel to the liver where they can lie dormant for as long as a year (iv)Into the Bloodstream 1. When mature, the parasite leaves the liver and infect the red blood cells. 2. This is when most people develop syptoms (v) On to the next person 1. If an uninfected mosquito bites the infected person, it then contains the parasite 2. moves on to the next person bitten (vi)The cycle continues (4) Diagnosis (a) Blood tests (can take as short as 15 minutes to as long as several days) (i) Determine whether patient has malaria (ii) Which type of parasite causes symptoms (iii) Which drugs the parasite is resistant to (iv)Whether the disease is affecting any of the vital organs (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) In areas where malaria is common, one should: 1. spray homes with insecticide 2. sleep under a net 3. covering skin during active mosquito times 4. soraying clothing and skin with permethrin and DEET (ii) Talking to doctor about what drugs can be taken before, during and after the trip to locations where malaria is common (b) Treatment (i) Common drugs 1. Chloroquine 2. Quinine sulfate 3. Hydroxychlproquin 4. Mefloquine ii) Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (1) Characteristics (a) Naturally occuring toxin called biotoxin is produced my some spices of algae (b) Can concentrate in shellfish (c) Causes illness in humans when concentrated shellfish is eaten (d) Death can occur within 30 minutes (2) Symptoms (a) Tingling of the lips and tongue
(b) Tingling of fingers and toes (c) Loss of control of arms and legs (d) Difficulty breathing (e) Nausea (f) Sense of floating (3) Causes (a) When algae “blooms” the concentration increases dramaticly (b) The more algea increases, the more shellfish will eat and the more biotoxins will accumulate (c) When theses shellfish are eated, the toxins can come into a human causing Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (d) Note that the shellfish can be eaten from several days to months after the number of toxin-producing toxin from their system (4) Diagnosis (a) Based on (i) Symptoms (ii) History of recently eating a particular kind of seafood. (b) Laboratory testigs are not required (c) Identification of the specific toxin is not necessary because there is no treatment (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Safe seafood consumption 1. Those with weakened immune systems or liver problems should definitely not eat raw seafood 2. Keep seafod on ice or refigerator at least 38o Fahrenheit to prevent spoilage (ii) Avoiding marine toxin poisoning 1. Keep fresh tuna, makarel grouper, and mahi mahi refrigerated to prevent development of histamine. (BTW cooking spoiled or toxic seafood will not keep you safe) 2. Do not eat barracuda 3. Check with local health officials before collecting shellfish (b) Treatment (i) Ther is no antidote for PSP. (ii) Th only treatment for severe cases is the use of life support systems such as mechanical respirator and oxygen until the toxin passes from the victim’s system. (iii) Survivors fully recover iii) Estuary Associated Syndrome (1) Characteristics (a) Associated with exposure to estuaries inhabited by toxin-foarming dinoflagellates (2) Symptoms (a) Common (i) Couh
(ii) Secretory (iii) Diarrhea (iv)Headache (v) Fatigue (vi)Memory impairment (vii) Rash (viii) Difficulty in concentration (ix)Light sensitivity (x) Burning skin upon water contact (xi)Muscle ache (xii) Abdominal pain (b) Less common (i) Upper airway obstruction (ii) Shortness of breath (iii) Confusion (iv)Red tearing eyes (v) Weakness (vi)Vertigo (3) Cause (a) ? (4) Diagnosis (a) ? (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) ? 5) Prion Diseases i) Mad Cow Disease (1) Characteristics (a) A fatal disease that slowly destroys the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) in cattle (b) Known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE (c) People cannoth get mad cow disease, but in rare cases they can get a human form of the disease known as vCJD (2) Symptoms (a) (vCJD) (i) Tingling, butning, or prickling in the face, hands, feet, and legs (ii) Dementia (affects mental functions (iii) Psychotic behavior (iv)Promblems moving parts of the body (v) Coma (3) Cause (a) Experts are unsure what causes mad cow diseas (b) They have theories (i) Changes to proteins found in animal cells cause the disease 1. In cows, these protiens are found in th brain, spinal cord and small intestine. (ii) Possibly caused by a virus that causes the proteins to change
(4) Diagnosis (a) No specific test (b) Doctors may think that a person has vCJD based on (i) Where the person has lived (ii) Person’s past health (c) Imaging tests, such as MRI, can be done to check for brain changes caused by the disease. (d) A brain biopsy is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of vCJD (5) Treatment and Prevention (a) Prevention (i) Choose solid muscle cuts of meat rather than bone-on cuts (ii) Avoid ground beef, sausage, and hot dogs (iii) Don’t eat beef in countries where outbreaks have occurred in the past (iv)Avoid beef althogether (if you are still uncomfortable) (v) Avoid feeding cattle with mamalian protein (vi)Test cattle regularly for early detection (once possible) (b) Treatment (i) No treatment