Lecture 17 Flashcards
(32 cards)
What are the three functions of the nervous system?
- Sensory (detects changes inside and outside the body)
- Integrative (Processes and interprets sensory input, brain decides what to do)
- Motor (Responds by activating muscles or glands, like pulling your hand away)
These functions help the nervous system process information and respond to stimuli.
What anatomical structures protect the brain and spinal cord?
- Bone
- Meninges
- Blood-brain barrier
The meninges are three membranes that encase soft tissue.
What is the normal microbiota of the nervous system?
None
The nervous system is typically sterile.
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of the meninges
Symptoms include severe headache, stiff neck, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
What bacteria is known as ‘Meningococcus’?
Neisseria meningitidis
It causes the most serious form of acute meningitis.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
- Severe headache
- Painful/stiff neck
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased WBC in CSF
These symptoms indicate inflammation of the meninges.
Which bacterium is the most frequent cause of community-acquired pneumococcal meningitis?
Streptococcus pneumoniae
It often co-occurs with bacterial pneumonia.
What is the treatment for Neisseria meningitidis?
First-line treatment:
Broad-spectrum antibiotics, IV
Early treatment is crucial for meningitis cases.
What type of vaccine is recommended for Haemophilus influenzae? (What causes meningitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis, etc.)
Hib vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine)
Vaccination has drastically decreased infection rates since 1988.
What is the primary cause of Listeria monocytogenes infection?
Ingesting contaminated dairy, poultry, and meat
This bacterium can cause mild symptoms but has a significant death rate.
What is the most common mode of transmission for Neisseria meningitidis?
Droplet contact
Close contact is a key factor in its spread.
What is the virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae?
- Capsule
- Induction of apoptosis
- Hemolysin and hydrogen peroxide production
These things help the bacteria survive, spread, and cause infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and sinusitis. Without these tools, it wouldn’t be nearly as dangerous.
What is the treatment for Listeria monocytogenes?
Ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Prompt treatment is essential for effective management.
What are the common causes of viral meningitis?
- Enterovirus
- Other viruses
Viral meningitis generally has a low mortality rate.
What are the symptoms of acute encephalitis?
- Behavior changes
- Confusion
Acute encephalitis is serious and almost always viral.
What is the causative organism of Zika virus?
Zika virus
It is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
What is the treatment for poliomyelitis?
None, palliative, supportive
There is no cure, only supportive care.
What is menigeoncephalitis caused by
amoeba
What is the epidemiological feature of West Nile Virus?
-West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-borne virus in the U.S.
-First appeared in 1999.
-Birds keep the virus circulating in the environment.
What is the treatment for acute encephalitis?
Supportive care
Specific antiviral treatments may be available depending on the virus.
How is Measles diagnosed?
Serological detection of IgM, culture, histology, EEGs, MRI, serology (Ab vs measles virus), biopsy, image of brain
These methods help identify the presence of the pathogen and its effects on the body.
What are the distinctive features of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)?
Subacute, slower development of disease, history of measles, long incubation period, fast progression once it begins
These characteristics help differentiate this disease from others.
True or False: Rabies is characterized by a long incubation time of 1 to 2 months.
True
This incubation period can vary but typically falls within this range.
What is the causative organism of Tetanus?
Clostridium tetani (B G+)
This bacterium produces a neurotoxin responsible for the symptoms of Tetanus.
