Arthropod-borne Diseases Flashcards
(26 cards)
What parasites cause malaria?
Plasmodium species (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale).
Describe the chain of infection for malaria.
- Reservoir: Infected humans.
- Transmission: Female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Portal of Entry: Mosquito bite (parasites enter bloodstream).
- Susceptible Host: Non-immune individuals.
List three symptoms of severe malaria.
High fever, organ failure, cerebral malaria (seizures/coma).
How is malaria treated?
- Antimalarials: Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), chloroquine (if susceptible).
- Severe cases: Hospitalization, IV fluids.
Name three prevention strategies for malaria.
- Insecticide-treated bed nets.
- Indoor residual spraying.
- Antimalarial prophylaxis for travelers.
What organism causes schistosomiasis?
Schistosoma spp. (S. mansoni, S. haematobium, S. japonicum).
Explain the chain of infection for schistosomiasis.
- Reservoir: Humans (eggs in feces/urine).
- Transmission: Freshwater snails release cercariae → penetrate human skin.
- Portal of Entry: Skin contact with contaminated water.
- Susceptible Host: Individuals in endemic areas with poor sanitation.
What are chronic complications of schistosomiasis?
Liver fibrosis, bladder cancer, kidney damage.
What drug treats schistosomiasis?
Praziquantel (single or multiple doses).
How is schistosomiasis prevented?
- Avoid contaminated water.
- Improve sanitation.
- Mass drug administration in endemic areas.
What virus causes yellow fever?
Yellow fever virus (Flaviviridae family).
Outline the chain of infection for yellow fever.
- Reservoir: Non-human primates (monkeys).
- Transmission: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
- Portal of Entry: Mosquito bite.
- Susceptible Host: Unvaccinated individuals in endemic regions.
What distinguishes severe yellow fever?
Jaundice, hemorrhage (blood in vomit/stool), organ failure.
What is the primary prevention method?
*Vaccination** (single dose provides lifelong immunity).
Is there a cure for yellow fever?
No specific antiviral; supportive care (fluids, pain relief).
What family does Zika virus belong to?
Flaviviridae (same as dengue/yellow fever).
Describe Zika’s transmission routes.
- Primary: Aedes mosquito bites.
- Secondary: Mother-to-fetus, sexual contact, blood transfusion.
What congenital complication is linked to Zika?
Microcephaly (abnormally small head in newborns).
List three prevention strategies for zika virus.
- Mosquito control (eliminate standing water).
- Safe sex practices during outbreaks.
- Travel advisories for pregnant women.
What bacterium causes plague?
Yersinia pestis (gram-negative, Enterobacteriaceae).
Explain the chain of infection for plague.
- Reservoir: Wild rodents (rats, squirrels).
- Transmission: Flea bites (bubonic) or respiratory droplets (pneumonic).
- Portal of Entry: Skin (flea bite) or lungs (inhalation).
- Susceptible Host: Exposed individuals in endemic areas.
What are the three forms of plague?
- Bubonic: Swollen lymph nodes (buboes).
- Septicemic: Blood infection, necrosis.
- Pneumonic: Respiratory failure.
How is plague treated?
Antibiotics: Streptomycin, gentamicin, doxycycline.
What prevents plague outbreaks?
- Rodent/flea control.
- Prophylactic antibiotics for contacts.
- Isolation of pneumonic cases.
