Infectious Disease

Question 1

What is the causative agent of botulism?

Answer 1

Clostridium botulism

Botulism is caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

Question 2

What is a common source of botulism spores?

Answer 2

Honey in backyard connections

Honey is a known source of botulism spores, which can affect infants.

Question 3

What neurotransmitter is inhibited in botulism?

Answer 3

Acetylcholine

The botulinum toxin prevents the release of acetylcholine, leading to paralysis.

Question 4

What type of paralysis is associated with botulism?

Answer 4

Acute symmetric flaccid paralysis

This paralysis affects muscle control and can lead to respiratory failure.

Question 5

What is a common gastrointestinal symptom of botulism?

Answer 5

Constipation

Constipation is often noted in patients with botulism due to muscle paralysis affecting bowel function.

Question 6

What is the primary diagnostic test for botulism?

Answer 6

Serum bioassay

A serum bioassay is used to confirm the presence of botulinum toxin.

Question 7

What is the treatment for botulism?

Answer 7

Botulism antitoxin (no antibiotics)

Antitoxin is administered to neutralize the toxin; antibiotics are not effective.

Question 8

What type of bacteria is Corynebacterium diphtheriae?

Answer 8

Ant rod

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes diphtheria.

Question 9

What does the diphtheria toxin inhibit?

Answer 9

Protein synthesis

The toxin interferes with protein synthesis, leading to tissue necrosis.

Question 10

What serious complication can occur in diphtheria?

Answer 10

Pseudomembrane formation

Pseudomembranes are characteristic of diphtheria and can obstruct the airway.

Question 11

What lymphatic complication is associated with diphtheria?

Answer 11

Severe cervical adenitis

This can lead to swelling of the neck and difficulty breathing.

Question 12

What is the method of diagnosis for diphtheria?

Answer 12

Culture from pseudomembrane

A culture from the pseudomembrane helps confirm the diagnosis.

Question 13

What is the treatment for diphtheria?

Answer 13

Equine antitoxin, DAT, then penicillin or erythromycin

Diphtheria treatment includes antitoxin and antibiotics to manage the infection.

Question 14

What is a concern with diphtheria antitoxin?

Answer 14

Sensitivity to horse serum

Some individuals may develop allergic reactions to horse serum used in the antitoxin.

Question 15

What are the early manifestations of Listeria infection?

Answer 15

Prematurity, pneumonia, sepsis

Early infections can lead to serious complications in newborns.

Question 16

What are the late manifestations of Listeria infection?

Answer 16

Meningitis

Late-onset infections often result in meningitis in newborns.

Question 17

What is the diagnostic approach for Listeria infection?

Answer 17

PCR and culture

PCR and blood cultures are used to identify Listeria in infected individuals.

Question 18

What is the treatment for Listeria infection?

Answer 18

Ampicillin with gentamicin

Ampicillin is often combined with gentamicin to enhance effectiveness.

Question 19

What are risk factors for invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae disease?

Answer 19

Diabetes mellitus, asplenia, SCD, Alaska Native, C4D, CHD

Certain populations are at higher risk for infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Question 20

What is a common clinical manifestation of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection?

Answer 20

Cellulitis or bacteremia

Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause skin infections or spread to the bloodstream.

Question 21

What is the first-line treatment for Streptococcus pneumoniae infections?

Answer 21

Amoxicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanate

These antibiotics are commonly prescribed for streptococcal infections.

Question 22

What class of antibiotics is often used for Streptococcus pneumoniae?

Answer 22

Cephalosporins

Cephalosporins may be used, especially in resistant cases.

Question 23

What condition is associated with the term ‘Guilian Barre’?

Answer 23

Ampulo bacter

Guilian Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system.

Question 24

What is a common symptom of Yersinia infection?

Answer 24

Bloody diarrhea, mucus, leukocytes

Yersinia infections are often linked to consuming undercooked pork and can mimic appendicitis.

Question 25

What is the primary treatment for Yersinia if symptoms are prolonged?

Answer 25

Only rehydrate ## Footnote Antibiotics are not needed unless symptoms persist; rehydration is the main focus.

Question 26

What rash is associated with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Answer 26

Petechial rash starts on wrists and ankles, spreads to trunk ## Footnote This characteristic rash is a key clinical finding in Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever caused by Rickettsia.

Question 27

What is the treatment protocol for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Answer 27

Must treat within 5 days of clinical suspicion ## Footnote Early treatment is crucial for this potentially fatal disease.

Question 28

What parasite is also known as 'lambia'?

Answer 28

Giardia ## Footnote Giardia lamblia is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms like steatorrhea.

Question 29

What are common environments where Giardia is found?

Answer 29

Day cares, campers, contaminated water ## Footnote Giardia is often transmitted via contaminated drinking water or surfaces in communal settings.

Question 30

What diagnostic tests can be used for Giardia infection?

Answer 30

Cysts in stool or trophozoites x3, duodenal aspirates, PCR ## Footnote Multiple stool samples may be necessary to confirm Giardia due to intermittent shedding.

Question 31

What is the treatment for severe Giardia infections?

Answer 31

Metronidazole ## Footnote Metronidazole is commonly used to treat Giardia infections, especially in symptomatic cases.

Question 32

What is the treatment for scabies?

Answer 32

Ivermectin, repeat 1-2 weeks later ## Footnote Ivermectin is effective for treating scabies, and a repeat dose is often necessary.

Question 33

What should not be treated in scabies management?

Answer 33

Ova only, treat adults ## Footnote The focus is on treating adult mites rather than ova, as ova do not cause direct symptoms.

Question 34

What triad of symptoms is associated with congenital Toxoplasmosis?

Answer 34

Hydrocephalus, cerebral calcifications, generalized lymphadenopathy ## Footnote These symptoms are critical in diagnosing congenital Toxoplasmosis in newborns.

Question 35

What is the treatment regimen for congenital Toxoplasmosis?

Answer 35

Pyrimethamine + sulfadiazine + folinic acid ## Footnote This combination helps manage the infection effectively in affected infants.