Microbiology, Immunology, Misc. Flashcards
(295 cards)
1
Q
What is the mechanism of action of diptheria toxin?
A
AB-exotoxin that ribosylates intracellular proteins. Ribosylation inhibits EF-a and thus protein synthesis (causing death).
2
Q
ST elevation in leads V1- V3 indicates occlusion of what artery?
A
LAD.
3
Q
What condition is associated with immune complex vasculitis of IgA and C3 deposition?
A
Henoch-Scholein Purpura.
4
Q
What are some serious complications of Henoch-Scholein Purpura?
A
Glomerulonephritis and end stage renal disease.
5
Q
What is the function of TNF-a?
A
Cytokine that induces the systemic inflammatory response; in high concentrations it causes septic shock and cachexia.
6
Q
Name three cytokines responsible for the systemic inflammatory response.
A
TNF-a, IL-1, IL-6.
7
Q
Which cytokine limits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines?
A
IL-10.
8
Q
How can HAV contamination be best contained?
A
Virus is inactivated with water, chlorination, bleach (1:100 dilution) formalin, UV irradiation, or boiling to 85 degC for one minute
9
Q
What is the most likely outcome for a patient acutely infected with HCV?
A
Stable chronic hepatitis- most pts remain HCV RNA positive and have persistent elevation of LFTs. A smaller subset progresses to cirrhosis.
10
Q
How does angioedema most commonly present?
A
As swelling of the lips, tongue, or eyelids. Pts may or may not have laryngeal edema and difficulty breathing.
11
Q
What is a common cause of angioedema?
A
ACE inhibitors. They cause increased bradykinin levels and lead to kinin accumulation.
12
Q
What is seen on wet mount microscopy of discharge in a patient with bacterial vaginosis?
A
Clue cells- vaginal squamous epithelial cells covered with multiple small adherent bacteria. (Grey white vaginal discharge)
13
Q
What type of bacteria is gardnerella vaginalis and what condition does it cause?
A
BV; it is a gram variable coccobacilli.
14
Q
What is the presentation of trichomoniasis?
A
Yellow-green foamy and foul smelling discharge.
15
Q
What is seem on wet mount of Trichomonas vaginalis?
A
Motile flagellated trophozoites.
16
Q
What type of bug is trichomonas vaginalis?
A
Flagellated trophozoite.
17
Q
What are the predominant cells found in granulomas?
A
Epitheloid macrophages and multinucleated giant cells. They often form after tissue macrophages encounter pathogens or substances that cant be easily digested or removed.
18
Q
How do M. tuberculosis bacteria survive?
A
They are engulfed by macrophages and evade intracellular killing to survive and reproduce within phagolysosomes; they are able to present mycobaterial antigens to naiive helper T cells.
19
Q
What is the function of IL-12 secretion?
A
It induces T cells to differentiated into Th1 T cells which produce interferon-y, activating macrophages and enabling them to kill ingested mycobacteria.
20
Q
What response occurs when macrophages produce TNa?
A
Recruitment of additional macropages and monocytes to the area.
21
Q
Which three factors are critical for formation and maintence of granulomas?
A
Interferon-y, IL-12, TNF-a
22
Q
What is the difference between herpesviruses and other enveloped nucleocapsid viruses in terms of their lipid bilayer?
A
Herpes viruses bud through and acquire their envelope from the host cell nuclear membrane; all other viruses acquire their envelope from budding through the plasma membrane of the host cell.
23
Q
Name three diseases caused by exotoxin release by S. aureus.
A
TSS, Staph scalded syndrome, Gastroenteritis
24
Q
Describe the sequela of sx of staphlococcal food poisioning.
A
Pt. eats a mayonnaise containing product inoculated by staph from the food handler. At room temp, S. aureus is incubated, producing a pre-formed heat stable exotoxin that causes rapid onset nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping.
25
Describe the sequlea of sx of bacillus cereus food poisoning.
Contaminates food with a preformed heat-stable exotoxin (usually starchy foods- reheated fried rice esp.)
26
What condition may lower the minimum infective dose of V. Cholerae by many orders of magnitude?
Increased gastric pH which can be caused by achlorhydria, food ingestion, antacid ingestion.
27
What is the most common cause of infections associated with foreign bodies?
S. epidermidis.
28
What is the primary virulence factor of staph epidermidis?
Synthesis of an extracellular polysaccharide matrix (biofilm) that prevents antibiotic penetration and interferes with host defenses.
29
What bug is the primary cause of epiglotitis?
H. influenza type B.
30
What side effects are associated with Amitryptiline?
Anticholinergic due to block of muscarinic receptors; may mimic atropine toxicity.
31
What is the main adverse effect of prazosin?
hypotension (esp. postural)
32
How is strongyloidiasis transmitted?
By filariform larvae found in soil contaminated by human feces.
33
Describe the lifecycle of strongyloidiasis.
Penetration of skin --> migration hematogenously to the lungs --> enter alveoli and travel up bronchial tree to pharynx --> swallowed --> reach intestine --> develop into adults that lay eggs within the intestinal mucosa --> hatch into noninfectious larvae that migrate into the intestinal lumen to be excreted in stool.
34
What may occur due to autoinfection with strongyloides stercoralis?
Massive increase in worm burden and widespread dissemination of parasites throughout the body- hyperinfection with multiorgan dysfunction and septic shock.
35
How is strongyloidiasis diagnosed?
Rhabditform larvae in the stool with eggs and adult parasites seen on intestinal biopsy.
36
How is strongyloidiasis treated?
Ivermectin.
37
What virus is non enveloped and contains ss DNA?
Parvovirus.
38
What condition is most commonly caused by parvovirus?
Fifths Disease- erythema infectiosum, aplastic crises in sickle cell anemia, hydrops fetalis.
39
Name the three most common viruses responsible for bronchitis/bronchiolitis?
Influenza, RSV, Coronavirus.
40
What type of virus causes hep A?
Picornaviridae. (ssRNA)
41
What type of virus causes hep B?
Hepadnaviridae (dsDNA)
42
What type of virus causes hep C?
Flaviviridae (ssRNA)
43
What type of virus causes hep D?
Deltaviridae (ssRNA)
44
What type of virus causes hep E?
Hepeviridae (ssRNA).
45
What is the mechanism of injury inflicted by HBV on the liver?
Presence of viral HBsAg and HBcAg on the cell surface stimulates the host's cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes to destroy infected hepatocytes. No direct cytotoxic effect.
46
What is the most common cause of hepatic abscesses in underdeveloped and developed countries?
Underdeveloped- parasitic infection; developed- bacterial infection.
47
Name five routes by which pyogenic bacteria can gain access to the liver.
Biliary tract infection, portal vein pyemia, hepatic artery, direct invasion from an adjacent source, penetrating or trauma injury.
48
Infection with what pathogen is implicated by lancet shaped gram positive diplococci in a patient with fever and cough?
S. pneumoniae.
49
How is S. pneumoniae distinguished?
Gram positive, alpha hemolytic, optochin sensitive, bile sensitive diplococci.
50
C. tetani binds to receptors on presynaptic membranes of motor neurons and blocks release of what NTs?
Inhibitory NTs- glycine, GABA.
51
Antibodies to what organism are implicated in aggregation of the patients serum in a mixture of cardiolipin, cholesterol and lecithin?
Treponema pallidum.
52
Block of what three nerves provides complete perineal and genital anesthesia?
Pudendal, genitofemoral, ilioinguinal n.
53
Describe the histological appearance of hepatic tissue in A1AT deficiency.
Intracellular granules representing globules of unsecreted A1AT are seen within periportal hepatocytes; globules stain reddish pink with PAS stain and resist deigestion by diastase.
54
What is the lung pathology which creates dyspnea in patients with A1AT deficiency?
Interalveolar septa destruction.
55
Transmural inflammation of the arterial wall with fibrinoid necrosis is characteristic of what condition?
Polyarteritis nodosa.
56
Describe the inflammation seen in polyarteritis nodosa.
Segmental, transmural, necrotizing inflammation of medium to small sized arteries. The inflammation can occur in any organ except the lung.
57
What are the presenting symptoms/ signs of polyarteritis nodosa?
Fever, abdominal pain, peripheral neuropathy, weakness, weight loss.
58
What condition is associated with polyarteritis nodosa?
Hep B.
59
What is the triad of pre-eclampsia?
Hypertension, proteinuria, edema.
60
What is eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia with seizures.
61
What is HELLP syndrome?
A progression of pre-eclampsia: hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets.
62
What type of bug is pseudomonas aeruginosa?
Non-lactose fermenting gram negative rod. It is oxidase positive.
63
What is a common cause of UTIs in patients with indwelling bladder catheters?
Pseudomonas aerguinosa.
64
What bug may cause transient bacteremia after dental procedures?
Viridans streptococci.
65
What is the mechanism of pathogenicity of viridans streptococci?
Production of extracellular polysaccharides (dextrans) via sucrose that facilitate adherence to fibrin and platelets which deposit at the site of endothelial trauma.
66
Describe the appearance of aspergillus fumigatus.
Thin, septate hyphae with acute V-shaped branching.
67
Name three conditions caused by aspergillus fumigatus.
Invasive aspergilosis in immunosuppressed patients, aspergillomas, allergic pulmonary aspergillosis.
68
What is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis?
Enterovirus.
69
Describe the structure of enteroviruses.
ssRNA viruses (cocksackie, echo, polioviruses)
70
How are enteroviruses transmitted?
Fecal-oral. They replicate in the GI tract.
71
In polio, damage to what part of the spinal cord causes hyporeflexic paralysis?
Anterior horn lower motor neuron cell bodies.
72
What symptoms occur first in polio?
Fever, malaise, aseptic meningitis
73
What is first line treatment for coagulase negative staphylococci (s. epidermidis) infection?
Empiric treatment with vancomycin (with or without rifampin or gentamicin)
74
In fifths disease, what sign often follows disappearance of facial rash?
Erythematous reticular, lace-like rash on the trunk and extremities
75
Where does parvovirus B19 predominately replicate?
In the bone marrow as it is highly tropic for erythroid precursor cells.
76
What is the most common cause of neonatal meningitis in the US?
Group B Strep. (followed by E. coli and listeria).
77
What are the two most common pathogens associated with meningitis in older infants (greater than 3 mos) and adults?
Strep pneumoniae, neisseria meningitidis.
78
What is the major virulence factor of E. coli strains that cause neonatal meningitis?
K1 capsular antigen
79
What is sporotrichosis?
A subcutaneous mycosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii.
80
What is sporothrix schenckii?
A dimorphic fungus found in the natural environment in the form of mold (hyphae) that resides on the bark of tree, shrubs, and garden plants.
81
How is sporothrix schenckii often transmitted and what are the clinical signs?
Thorn pricks (common in gardeners). It manifests as nodules that spread along lymphatics.
82
How do enterococci produce resistance to aminoglycosides?
Produce aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes that transfer different chemical groups (acetyl, adenyl, or phosphate) to aminoglycoside molecules which impairs antibiotic binding to ribosomal subunits.
83
What is the pathogenesis of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome?
Exotoxin exfoliatin causes widespread epidermal sloughing, especially with gentle pressure (Nikolsky's sign)
84
What types of viruses can induce viral protein synthesis in the host cell by acting as mRNA and using the host's intracellular machinery for translation?
ssRNA, positive sense.
85
What type of virus is rhinovirus?
ssRNA positive sense.
86
Name four types of nonenveloped RNA viruses.
Enteroviruses, reoviruses, Norwalk virus, rhinovirus.
87
Name four types of enteroviruses.
Polio, cocksackie, echo, Hep A.
88
What nerve is most commonly injured in surgical procedures of the anterior neck and what symptoms result?
Recurrent laryngeal (travels close to the inferior thyroid artery); results in laryngeal muscle paralysis, hoarseness, dyspnea.
89
In pregnant women identified with group B strep colonization, what prophylactic measures should be performed?
Intrapartum antibiotics, usually with penicillin or ampicillin to prevent neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.
90
What is the presentation of coccidioides immitis in the lungs of patients?
As spherules in the lungs containing inhaled spores. These sphereules can rputure and disseminate to other organs and tissues.
91
Where is C. immitis endemic?
SW USA
92
How is C. immitis transmitted?
spore inhalation (spores are hyphae fragments)
93
What type of reaction is an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction?
Antibody mediated type II hypersensitivity reaction where anti ABO antibodies (mainly IgM) in the recipient bind corresponding antigens on transfused erythrocytes causing complement activation. Anaphylatoxins (C3a, C5a) cause vasodilation and symptoms of shock while formation of the MAC leads to complement mediated cell lysis.
94
What are the two most common causes of hematogenous osteomyelitis?
S. aureus followed by Strep pyogenes (group A strep)
95
How does tertiary syphilis affect the CV system?
Causes luetic aneurysms which begin with vasa vasorum endarteritis and obliteration, resulting in inflammation, ischemia, and weakening of the adventitia. Aneurysmal dilatation of the thoracic aorta can extend to dilate the aortic valve ring causing a murmur and mediastinal widening.
96
How does pregnancy increase liklihood of gallstones?
Estrogen induced cholesterol hypersecretion and progesterone induced gallblader hypomotility.
97
Cases of what four conditions are drastically reduced when H. influenzae vaccination is given?
Meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, epiglottitis.
98
Name two conditions that can be caused by meningococcal sepsis.
DIC, hemorrhagic destruction of the bilateral adrenal glands (Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome).
99
What are 'germ tubes' and what species are they specific for?
True hyphae when incubated at 37degC for 3 hrs; specific for c. albicans.
100
Where is candida albicans a normal inhabitant?
GI tract (including oral cavity); it is thus present in sputum samples occasionally.
101
What is the most common cause of hydatid cysts?
Tapeworm- echinococcus granulosus
102
Where are echinococcus granulosas tapeworms endemic?
Mediterranean, Middle east, southern S. america, Iceland, australia, new zealand, southern africa OR SW USA with sheep and dog exposure.
103
What is the microscopic appearance of a hydatid cyst?
Encapsulated and calcified cyst (eggshell calcification) that contains fluid and budding cells and eventually may become daughter cysts. Outer cyst wall is composed of many layers of delicated, gelatinous sheets surrounded by a thick fibrous capsule.
104
What is the first line treatment plan for patients with hydatid cysts?
Surgery and adjunctive chemo with mebendazole or albendazole.
105
What is one complication associated with spilling hydatid cyst contents in the peritoneum?
Anaphylactic shock
106
Why is primaquine added to chloroquine for treatment of malaria?
To prevent disease relapse-- it is used to completely eradicate organisms.
107
Which two bugs cause malaria?
Plasmodium vivax and plasmodium ovale.
108
What is one drawback to chloroquine treatment for plasmodia?
No activity against latent hepatic infections established by P. vivax and P. ovale; it is effective in eradicating chloroquine sensitive plasmodia from the bloodstream only.
109
What effect does ether and other organic solvents have on viral envelopes?
They dissolve the lipid bilayer that makes up the outer viral envelope. When dissolved, loss of infectivity occurs.
110
What kind of vaccine is the strep pneumo polysaccharide vaccine?
Unconjugated vaccine that induces a T cell independent response.
111
What is the difference between the polysaccharide and conjugate pneumococcal vaccines?
Pneumococcal conjugate- contains polysaccharide material attached to a protein antigen allowing for a robust T cell dependent response; polysaccharide only- no T cell response.
112
How does one catch Histoplasma capsulatum?
Present in bird and bat droppings (and is mold in soil) and is endemic to the Mississippi and Ohio River basins.
113
What is Histoplasma capsulatum?
Dimorphic fungus located intracellularly within macrophages that effects the lungs and reticuloendothelium system.
114
How does Histoplasma capsulatum present on light microscopy?
As small, intracellular oval bodies.
115
What are the symptoms of Histoplasma capsulatum?
Acute pulmonary disease (or chronic histoplasmosis if chronic lung disease was initially present-- it appears like TB).
116
What is congenital torticollis?
Develops around 2-4 weeks of age and is caused by birth trauma or malposition of the head in utero --> head is tilted toward affected side with chin pointed away from contracture and soft tissue mass may be palpable in inferior one third of the affected SCM
117
How is congenital torticollis treated?
Conservative therapy and stretching exercises.
118
What signs/sx are characteristic of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's)?
Nasal mucosal ulcerations, glomerulonephritis (c-ANCA positive --> antibodies against neutrophil cytoplasmic bodies)
119
What is the mechanism of action of Foscarnet?
Pyrophosphate analog that does not require intracellular activation. It directly inhibits both DNA polymerase in herpesvirus and reverse transcriptase in HIV. It must be administered IV.
120
What is Foscarnet most commonly used for?
Treating herpesvirus infections or ganciclovir-resistant CMV in patients with advanced AIDS.
121
What is bacterial transformation?
Direct uptake of naked DNA from the environment by bacteria that are naturally competent
122
Name three species of bacteria that participate in gene transfer by transformation.
Strep. pneumo, H. influenza, N. gonorrhoeae/meningitidis; this is caused by their capsular polysaccharides that allow for inhibition of phagocytosis.
123
Ecthyma gangrenosum is strongly associated with what pathogen?
Bacteremia by P. aeruginosa
124
Name four important virulence factor enzymes of P. aeruginosa that play a role in causing vascular destruction and cutaneous necrosis of ecthyma gangrenosum.
Exotoxin A (protein synthesis inhibition), elastase (degrades elastin), Phospholipase C (degrades cellular membranes), pyocyanin (generates reactive oxygen species)
125
Name four subgroups of patients that are particularly susceptible to pseudomonas infections.
Neutropenic patients, hospitalized patients, patients with burns, patients with chronic indwelling catheters.
126
Name two bugs that have toxins which inactivate EF-2 via ribosylation, thus inhibiting host cell protein synthesis (and causing cell death).
C. diptheriae, P. aeruginosa (diptheria toxin and exotoxin A respectively).
127
Describe the clinical sequelae of typhoid fever.
Week 1: rising fever, bacteremia, relative bradycardia; week 2: abdominal pain, rose spots on trunk and abdomen; week 3: hepatosplenomeagly, intestinal bleeding and perforation.
128
How is salmonella typhi spread?
Fecal oral following ingestion of contaminated food or water.
129
How does salmonella penetrate the gut mucosa?
Via phagocytosis by M cells and bacteria mediated endocytosis by enterocytes; they then survive and proliferate within macrophages of peyers patches causing inflammation and bacteremia.
130
Name the three most common pathogens (in order) responsible for secondary bacterial pneumonia following influenza infection.
Strep. pneumo, staph aureus, H. influenzae.
131
What are the clinical features of Legionella pneumonia?
High fever, relative bradycardia, headache/ confusion, watery diarrhea, only mildly productive cough. MOST COMMONLY in SMOKERS. A common cause of CAP.
132
What are the laboratory findings associated with Legionella pneumonia?
Hyponatremia, sputum gram stain with many neutrophils but few or no organisms
133
How is Legionella pneumonia treated?
Respiratory fluoroquinolones or newer macrolides.
134
How is Hep E spread?
Fecal-oral
135
What indicates a positive monospot test?
Positive when horse RBCs are agglutinated in vitro by heterophil antibodies.
136
What is cytochrome C?
A mitochondial enzyme that activates caspases and indirectly brings about cell death through intrinisc pathway apoptosis.
137
What causes hot tub folliculitis and how does it present?
P. aeruginosa; it occurs in minor outbreaks following exposure to a pool or spa. Presents as a diffuse, pruitic papulopustular rash.
138
What type of bug is pseudomonas aerguinosa?
Gram negative, oxidase positive, non-lactose fermenting, motile rods that produce pigment.
139
What is the most common cause of death in patients with diptheria?
cardiomyopathy.
140
In a patient with HIV, what do high rates of Pol gene mutations signify?
Acquired resistance to HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors and HIV protease inhibitors.
141
In a patient with HIV, what do high rates of Env gene mutations signify?
Enabled escape from host neutralizing antibodies.
142
What is the most common cause of acute hemorrhagic cystitis in children?
Adenovirus (esp serotypes 11 and 21)
143
What is the appearance of corynebacterium diptheriae?
Found in clumps resembling Chinese letters or joined in V or Y shaped chains on microscopic examination. Cytoplasm contains metachromatic granules that stain with aniline dyes like methylene blue.
144
Describe the toxin of C. diptheriae?
Two subunit AB exotoxin. B subunit binds to heparin-binding epidermal growth factor receptor found on cardiac and neural cells. It induces endocytosis of the toxin and the A subunit inhibits host cell protein synthesis by catalyzing the ADP ribosulation of protein elongation factor EF-2.
145
How does diptheria exotoxin inhibit host cell protein synthesis?
By catalyzing the ADP ribosulation of host cell elongation factor 2.
146
What condition is implied by impaired sperm motility due to abnormal tail function?
Primary ciliary dyskinesia-- Defect in axoneme of sperm flagellum; many have Kartageners.
147
Describe the sequence of replication of the hepatitis B virus.
dsDNA --> template + RNA --> progeny double stranded DNA
148
Describe the HBV genome
Partially double stranded circular DNA molecule
149
What is enterobiasis and what is the etiologic organism?
Enterobiasis; etiologic organism is the pinworm.
150
How does enterobius vermicularis infection present?
Perianal pruritus; dx via scotch tape test.
151
What is first line treatment for enterobius vermicularis?
Albendazole. (or pyrantel pamoate in pregnant patients)
152
What is the mechanism of action of zidovudine (AZT)?
Nucleoside analog, retroviral reverse transcriptase inhibitor
153
In what condition is postauricular and occipital lymphadenopathy particularly common?
Rubella (a togavirus)
154
What is the pattern of spread of ruboela (measles) or rubella?
Maculopapular rash that begins on the face and spreads to the trunk and extremities.
155
What bug causes bacterial vaginosis?
Gardnerella vaginalis.
156
What test is diagnostic for bacterial vaginosis?
KOH addition for a whiff test; clue cells on wet mount
157
What discharge is typical of BV? Trichomonas?
BV- gray discharge with fishy odor; Trichomonas- yellow green, foamy discharge.
158
In what way does the hepatitis D virus need Hep B to survive?
Hep D requires coating of its virus by hep B before it can infect hepatocytes and multiply.
159
What findings are characteristic of aspergillus fumigatus derived allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis?
High serum IgE levels, eoinophilia, IgE and IgG serum antibodies to Aspergillus. Intense airway inflammation, mucus plugging with exascerbations and remissions. Repeated exascerbations may cause transient pulmonary infiltrates and proximal bronchiectasis. It is often a complication of asthma.
160
Describe the toxin associated with EHEC O157:H7
Shiga like toxin- inactivates the 60S ribosomal subunit inhibiting protein synthesis and causing cell death Shiga like toxin that is unable to ferment sorbitol and does not produce a glucuronidase.
161
Describe the properties of EHEC O157:H7.
Unable to ferment sorbitol, does not produce a glucuronidase.
162
What is the significance of mycobacteria growing as serpentine cords on enriched media?
Contains presence of cord factor, a mycoside which establishes virulence through neutrophil inhibition, mitochondrial destruction, release of TNF.
163
What is the recommended treatment for cryptococcal meningitis?
amphotericin B and flucytosine followed by long term fluconazole.
164
Why are pulmonary infarcts almost always hemorrhagic?
Due to the dual blood supply of the lungs (pulmonary and bronchial arteries)
165
What are the two most common causes of tricuspid endocarditis in IV drug users?
S. aureus, followed by P. aeruginosa.
166
What is the mechanism of the toxin of C. diff?
Toxin A- enterotoxin, toxin B: cytotoxin Both inactivate Rho-regulatory proteins involved in signal transduction and actin cytoskeletal structure maintenance (disruption of actin cytoskeletal structure). They disrupt intercellular tight junctions causing cell rounding/retraction and increased intestinal fluid secretion. They both have inflammatory effects and can induce apoptosis.
167
What is a side effect of topical a-adrenergic agonist decongestant overuse?
Negative feedback causing decreased NE synthesis and release from nerve endings which decreases their effect.
168
Name three drugs that can be used to treat C. Diff infection.
Oral metronidazole, vancomycin, fidaxomicin.
169
When is fidaxomicin used to treat c. diff?
In patients with recurrent colitis or at increased risk of recurrence.
170
What is the mechanism of action of Fidaxomicin?
Inhibits the sigma subunit of RNA polymerase to impair protein synthesis and cause cell death. It is an oral drug with minimal systemic absorption and a narrow spectrum and has less effect on colonic flora than metronidazole or vancomycin.
171
Name the two genuses of bacteria that form spores.
Bacillus and Clostridium (they can survive boiling)
172
Describe the typical appearance of blastomyces dermatidis.
Encapsulated round yeast with a single, broad based bud and doubly refractive walls. Dimorphic fungus.
173
Where is blastomyces dermatidis endemic?
Great Lakes, Ohio and Mississippi river regions.
174
What organ is the primary site of involvement of blastomyces dermatidis?
Lungs (contracted due to inhalation of aerosolized fungus from the environment).
175
What nerve provides somatic sensory and taste innervation to the the tongue?
Branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve; taste provided by chorda tympani of CN VII. Posterior portion of the tongue is innervated entirely by CN IX.
176
What toxin is associated with ETEC?
Heat labile Cholera toxin and heat stable toxin
177
What is the mechanism of heat labile toxin?
Activation of adenylate cyclase to cause increased cAMP.
178
What is the mechanism of heat stable enterotoxin?
Activation of guanate cyclase leading to increased intracellular cGMP
179
What is considered the trigger of neoplastic change in HBV induced HCC?
Integration of viral DNA into the genome of host hepatocytes.
180
What is the presence of Giardia lamblia on iodine stained stool smear?
Ellipsoidal cysts with smooth, well defined walls and 2+ nuclei
181
How is Giardia lamblia contracted and how is it treated?
Most common cause of diarrhea in campers/ hikers caused by drinking contaminated water. Tx with metronidazole.
182
How do viruses that use eukaryotic ribosomes for protein synthesis convert their polycistronic genome into monocistronic mRNA?
By production of a polyprotein product from a single mRNA transcript. This is later cleaved by a viral protease to generate a set of functional, individual viral proteins. Viruses with ss, positive sense, linear, nonsegmented RNA viruses use this method.
183
How do humans acquire schistosomiasis?
Via contact with freshwater that contains snails infected with Schistosoma larvae.
184
What is the difference in conditions caused by S. japonicum, S. mansoni, and S. haematobium?
S. japonicum and S. mansoni cause intestinal and hepatic schistosomiasis and S. haematobium causes urinary schistosomiasis.
185
What condition often proceeds scarlet fever?
Streptococcal pharyngitis.
186
Describe the oral findings associated with scarlet fever.
Erythematous, swollen tonsils possibly covered with gray-white exudates. Tongue may have inflammed red papillae with an appearance of a red strawberry. Rash then appears on the body
187
What complications are associated with scarlet fever?
acute rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis.
188
Name five catalase positive organisms.
Staphylococcus aureus, Burkholderia cepacia, Serratia marcescens, Nocardia, Aspergillus.
189
What two factors are required by H. influenzae to grow on blood agar?
Factor X (exogenous hematin) and factor V (NAD+)
190
What is the satellite phenomenon of H. influenzae growth?
Growth of H. influenzae in the presence of S. aureus on blood agar where H. influenzae grows near the beta hemolytic S. aureus colonies because they produce needed factor X and V (NAD+)
191
What pathogen causes "woolsorters disease"?
Pulmonary anthrax.
192
What causes the pathogenicity of Bacillus anthracis?
Antiphagocytic capsule containing D-glutamate instead of a polysaccharide.
193
What is an important symptom of pulmonary anthrax?
Hemorrhagic mediastinitis (widened mediastinum).
194
How does bacillus anthracis appear on microscopy?
As long chains "serpentine or medusa head" appearance
195
What gram positive rod produces a narrow zone of beta hemolysis on blood agar?
Listeria monocytogenes (resembles streptococcus agalactiae)
196
What fact identifies listeria isolates?
Tumbling motility at 22 degrees C and multiplication at very low temperatures.
197
How does listeria manage to survive intracellularly?
Through listeriolysin O, a pore forming toxin that is selectively activated within acidified phagosomes.
198
What type of immunity is necessary for elimination of intracellular bacteria?
Cell mediated immunity.
199
Name the five clinically relevant species of dimorphic fungi.
Sporothrix schenckii, Coccidioides immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatidis, Paracoccidioides brasillensis.
200
How do dimorphic fungi appear on microscopic KOH presentation?
As large yeast cells with a single bud.
201
What is the purpose of an ecological study?
To analyze populations (not individuals) in terms of the frequency of a given characteristic and a given outcome. (Cross sectional surveys analyze INDIVIDUALS).
202
What is colonizing aspergillus?
Fungus ball inside an old lung cavity. Aspergillus does not invade the lung tissue but instead grows inside the cavity.
203
What patients are most susceptible to enterococcal endocarditis?
Elderly men who have recently undergone manipulation of areas colonized by enterococcus (GI, GU tracts), women following obstetrical procedures.
204
Describe the bacterial characteristics of Enterococci.
Lancefield group D streptococci; can be cultured in 6.5% saline and bile. Gamma hemolytic.
205
Low levels of C1 esterase inhibitor are diagnostic of what condition?
Hereditary angioedema (AD condition causing painless, non-pitting, well circumscribed edema). This causes increased bradykinin activity.
206
What drugs are contraindicated in a patient with low levels of C1 esterase inhibitor?
ACE-inhibitors.
207
What is the immune function of the spleen?
Antibody synthesis and a reservoir of phagocytic cells capable of removing circulating pathogens.
208
What is the mechanism of pathogenicity of Rhabdoviridae?
ssRNA virus enveloped by a bullet shaped capsule which is studded by glycoprotein spikes that bind to nicotinic ACh receptors. They bind to ACh receptors on peripheral nerve axons and travel reterograde to the CNS.
209
What cellular receptor is associated with CMV?
Cellular integrins
210
What cellular receptor is associated with EBV?
CR2 (CD21)
211
What cellular receptor is associated with HIV?
CD4 and CXCR4/CCR5
212
What cellular receptor is associated with rabies virus?
Nicotinic ACh receptor
213
What cellular receptor is associated with Rhinovirus?
ICAM1 (CD54)
214
Which picornavirus is the most acid labile?
Rhinovirus (cant colonize GI tract or cause gastroenteritis).
215
What bug causes scabies?
Sarcoptes scabiei mites
216
Skin scrapings of scabies scabs will show ___.
Mites, ova and feces.
217
What is the only pathogenic fungus with a polysaccharide capsule?
Cryptococcus neoformans. It is a major virulence factor.
218
What stain is used to visualize cryptococcus neoformans?
Mucicarmine stain or Methenamine silver (GMS)
219
Superantigens interact and stimulate which immunologic cells?
MHC molecules on APCs in the variable region of the T lymphocyte receptor to cause widespread activation of T cells. This causes release of IL-2 from T cells and IL-1 and TNF from macrophages.
220
The toxin of bacillus anthracis most resembles the toxin produced by what bacteria?
B. pertussis. (Both function to increase cAMP levels cuasing edema and phagocyte dysfunction)
221
What supplementation do Mycoplasma species require to grow on artificial media?
Cholesterol.
222
How does N. Meningitidis gain access to the CNS?
Nasopharyx --> invasion of mucosal epithelium --> bloodstream --> choroid plexus --> through BBB to CNS
223
How does H. influenzae enter the CNS?
Pharynx --> lymphatics --> meninges.
224
What Rx is used for erythrocytic forms of Plasmodia (malaria) infection?
Chloroquine or mefloquine.
225
Primaquine is required to kill which plasmodia species?
P. vivax and P. ovale in liver schizonts.
226
Which cephalosporins have good anti-pseudomonal coverage?
Cefepime and ceftazidime.
227
Which cephalosporin has poor pseudomonal coverage?
Ceftriaxone.
228
How does the occurance of rheumatic fever differ between streptococcal pharyngitis infections and impetigo?
Strep pharyngitis is associated with rheumatic fever. PSGN can follow either; skin infection is not associated with rheumatic fever.
229
What is first line treatment of toxoplasmosis gondii in an HIV positive patient?
Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine.
230
What characteristic radiographic findings indicate toxoplasmosis in an AIDS patient?
Ring enhancing lesions in both cerebral hemispheres.
231
Primary CNS lymphoma in an immunocompromised patient requires what type of immune response?
B-lymphocytic
232
What sequelae are characteristic of rubella in a pregnant woman and her fetus?
Mother: polyarthralgia; fetus: deafness, cataracts, cardiac malformations (ex. PDA)
233
What is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults of all ages?
Strep pneumo.
234
How does strep pneumo appear on gram stain?
As lancet shaped gram positive cocci in pairs.
235
What side effects are associated with protease inhibitors?
Hyperglycemia, lipodystrophy, DDIs due to inhibition of p450.
236
On what media is C. diptheriae cultured?
Cysteine-tellurite agar- colonies are black in colour.
237
How does C. diptheriae appear on microscopy after methylene blue staining?
Shows intracellular polyphosphate granules (metachromatic granules)
238
What is bordet-gengou medium used to culture?
Bordetella pertussis.
239
Name three characteristic findings associated with tertiary syphilis.
Neurosyphilis, CV involvement, gummas (necrotizing granulomas occurring on skin, mucosa, subcutaneous tissue, bones and within organs).
240
Describe the appearance of CMV on lung biopsy.
Enlarged, centrally located epithelial cell with intranuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions.
241
Name two ways in which campylobacter infection can be acquired.
Domestic animals (cattle, chicken, dogs) or from contaminated food.
242
How is vibrio parahemolyticus transmitted?
Consumption of contaminated shellfish.
243
A therepeutic drug that is a monoclonal anti-CD21 antibody could interefere with the attachment of what virus to cells?
EBV (also attaches to gp350)
244
What cellular mediator is associated with Parvovirus B19?
Erythrocyte P antigen.
245
What is another name for colistin?
polymyxin (i.e. on Thayer Martin agar to inhibit gram negatives)
246
What is the cause of gram negative sepsis?
Release of LPS from bacterial cells during division or by bacteriolysis (not through secretion). This leads to widespread release of IL-1 and TNF-a which causes sx of septic shock. It is caused by LIPID A.
247
What bug causes Chagas disease?
Trypanosoma cruzi
248
Name three symptoms of Chagas disease.
Achalasia, megacolon, megaureter.
249
What is the major virulence factor of Strep pyogenes and how does it work?
Protein M; it inhibits phagocytosis and complement activation, mediates bacterial adherence, and is the target of humoral immunity to S. pyogenes.
250
What type of drug is acyclovir?
Guanosine analogue.
251
Why is acyclovir not used to treat EBV and CMV?
It requries monophosphorylation by viral thymidine kinase to active form. EBV and CMV do not produce the same thymidine kinase that activates this.
252
In a diabetic patient with facial pain, headache, and a black necrotic eschar in the nasal cavity, what condition is indicated?
Mucormycosis (Rhizopus and Absidia)
253
How is mucomycosis diagnosed and what is its treatment?
Dx by histological examination of affected tissue (non-septate hyphae with right angle branching). Tx is surgical debridement and amphotericin B.
254
Measurements of what hormone should be monitored in a patient following evacuation of a hydatidiform mole?
b-hCG to rule out invasive mole or choriocarcinoma.
255
What is the most common cause of opportunistic mycosis?
Candida albicans
256
What tests are diagnostic for candida albicans?
Yeasts and pseudohyphae on light microscopy and positive germ tube test.
257
What immune response is compromised by silicosis?
Disruption of macrophage phagolysosomes by internalized silica particles. This impairs killing of intracellular mycobacteria.
258
What is another name for fifth disease and what causes it?
Erythema infectiosum; caused by parvovirus B19 (ssDNA virus).
259
What is the classic presentation of roseola infantum?
High fever and maculopapular rash that starts on the trunk and spreads peripherally. (HSV-6)
260
What bug causes epiglottitis?
H. influenzae type B.
261
What does the Hib vaccine include?
Polyribosyl-ribitol phosphate (PRP) component of h. influenzae capsule conjugated with diptheria or tetanus toxoid.
262
What prevents C. diff infection?
Normal intestinal bacteria suppress overgrowth.
263
Name five key symptoms of Legionella pneumonia.
High fever with relative bradycardia, headache/confusion, watery diarrhea, HYPONATREMIA, Sputum stain showing many neutrophils but few or no organisms. It presents as a unilobar infiltrate that progresses to consolidation.
264
What viral factor determines the range of host infectivity?
Surface glycoproteins
265
Name four gram negative rod lactose non fermenters and describe how they can be distinguished.
1. P. aerguinosa (oxidase positive)
2. Shigella (ox. negative, no H2S production on TSI agar)
3. Salmonella, Proteus (ox. negative, H2S production)
266
What is the essential pathogenic mechanism for shigella infection?
Mucosal invasion (gains access to gut epithelium by entering M cells in Peyer's patches)
267
What is the main toxin produced by C. perfringens and how does it work?
Lecithinase (alpha toxin) degrades lecithin, a component of cellular phospholipid membranes causing membrane destruction, cell death, and widespread necrosis and hemolysis.
268
How are Actinomyces israelli abscesses treated?
Long term Penicillin tx and surgical debridement
269
How do listeria bacteria gain access to the bloodstream in Listeria meningitis?
Following ingestion of contaminated food (unpasturized milk, undercooked meats, unwashed raw vegetables). Opportunistic infection.
270
What is a unique feature of listeria?
Tumbling motility.
271
How do mucormycoses appear on light microscopy?
Mold form with broad nonseptate hyphae that branch at wide (often 90 deg) angles
272
What type of virus is parvovirus?
non-enveloped ssDNA virus
273
In an immunocompromised patient with cough, fever and hepatosplenomegaly, what bug that forms ovoid bodies within a macrophage causes this condition?
Histoplasma capsulatum.
274
How does histoplasmosis appear on CXR?
Diffuse pulmonary infiltrates with hilar adenopathy. Cavitary lesions in upper lung loves, calcified nodes and fibrotic scarring.
275
How do the laboratory markers of liver injury appear in a neonate who acquired Hep B (with HBeAg)?
mildly elevated
276
What is the most common cause of croup?
Parainfluenza virus (a paramyxovirus)
277
Name 3 symptoms of croup.
Laryngotracheitis- brassy, barking cough, dyspnea, recent hx of URI.
278
On stool sample of a patient with vibrio cholerae or E. coli, what is seen?
No erythrocytes or leukocytes (no cell death); mucous and sloughed epithelial cells only. No inflammatory cells.
279
How does diptheriae toxoid prevent disease?
It induces production of circulating IgG against exotoxin B subunit.
280
What are the two most serious sequlae of diptheria?
Neurotoxicity, cardiac toxicity.
281
What type of bacteria is Pseudomonas aerguinosa?
Nonlactose fermenting, oxidase positive, motile, gram negative rod.
282
What test is used to diagnose cryptococcus neoformans meningoencephalitis in HIV + patients?
Latex agglutination test detects polysaccharide capsule antigen. India ink staining of CSF shows round or oval budding yeast.
283
What is blastomycosis dermatitidis?
Dimorphic fungi that can cause pulmonary infections in immunocompetent people (endemic to Great lakes, MS and OH river basins). Transmitted via respiratory route. May cause a chroinc pneumonia characterized by granuloma formaiton.
284
How is blastomycosis dermatitidis diagnosed?
Sputum stain with KOH- thick doubly refractive walls and each yeast has a broad based bud.
285
How is blastomycosis dermatidis treated?
Itraconazole.
286
What type of bacteria is Klebsiella?
Encapsulated lactose fermenting gram neg. bacillus that appears mucoid in culture.
287
Spherules filled with small round endospores from lung biopsy indicate infection with what pathogen?
Coccidioides immitis.
288
How does coccidiodes immitis appear on silver stain?
Thick walled spherules packed with endospores.
289
What type of vaccine is the rubella vaccine?
Live attenuated vaccine
290
What type of viruses are responsible for most cases of aseptic meningitis in children?
Enteroviruses (coxsackie virus, echovirus, poliovirus, enterovirus)
291
What is seen in the CSF of a patient with viral meningitis?
Lymphocytic pleocytosis, modestly elevated protein, normal glucose
292
What is a possible systemic manifestation of M. pneumonia infection?
Hemolysis due to antigenic similarity between antigens in the cell membrane of M. pneumoniae and in the cell membrane of erythrocytes ("cold agglutins"). Stevens Johnson syndrome and joint pains are also possible.
293
What is responsible for the toxic effects observed in N. meningitidis infections and meningococcemia?
Meningococcal lipopligosaccharide (LOS). Blood levels of LOS correlate closely with morbidity and mortality.
294
How can non-pathogenic Cornyebacterium cause severe pseudomembranous pharyngitis?
By acquiring the Tox gene via lysogenization by a temperate bacteriophage.
295
What type of prognosis is required for referring a patient for hospice care?
Survival prognosis of less than 6 months.
