Viral, Fungal, and Parasitic Infections Flashcards
(35 cards)
What are the three main components of a virus?
Nucleic acid, protein coat (capsid), sometimes a lipid envelope.
Why are viruses considered obligate intracellular parasites? .
They cannot reproduce outside of a host cell and lack independent metabolic function
What is the cytopathogenic effect?
Cell damage caused by viral infection, including necrosis, degeneration, or proliferation.
What is an example of a virus that causes cell hyperplasia?
Human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes warts.
What does a latent virus do?
Remains inactive in cells but can reactivate and cause disease.
Name four diseases caused by latent herpes viruses.
Cold sores (HSV-1), genital herpes (HSV-2), chickenpox (varicella), shingles (zoster).
What virus causes infectious mononucleosis?
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
How is mononucleosis transmitted?
Through close contact, often saliva.
What are clinical signs of mono?
Fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and spleen.
How is mono diagnosed?
By symptoms and detection of antibodies to EBV and heterophile antibodies.
What are fungi?
Plant-like organisms without chlorophyll; classified as yeasts or molds.
How do yeasts reproduce?
By budding.
What structure characterizes molds?
Hyphae — long branching filamentous structures.
What is a common yeast-like pathogen?
Candida albicans.
What infections does Candida commonly cause?
Vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush.
What are dermatophytes?
Fungi that infect skin, causing itchy, scaling lesions (e.g., athlete’s foot, ringworm).
What is histoplasmosis?
A fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, often respiratory.
What is coccidioidomycosis?
A respiratory fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis.
What are parasites?
Organisms that live on or inside a host and cannot live freely outside.
What environmental conditions promote parasitic infection?
Poor sanitation, warm and humid climates.
Name three major groups of parasites.
Protozoa, Metazoa, Arthropods
What causes malaria?
Plasmodium species, transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito.
How does malaria affect the body?
It destroys red blood cells, causing anemia.
What is toxoplasmosis caused by?
Toxoplasma gondii.
