Zoonotic Diseases Flashcards
(25 cards)
What virus causes rabies, and to which family does it belong?
Rabies virus (Rhabdoviridae family).
Describe the chain of infection for rabies.
- Reservoir: Infected animals (e.g., dogs, bats).
- Transmission: Bite/scratch with infected saliva.
- Portal of Entry: Broken skin/mucous membranes.
- Susceptible Host: Unvaccinated individuals.
What are the symptoms of rabies?
- Prodromal stage: Fever, headache, itching at bite site.
- Neurological stage: Agitation, hydrophobia (fear of water), hypersalivation, paralysis, coma.
- Fatal once symptoms appear.
How is rabies treated post-exposure?
- Wound cleansing: Immediate soap/water wash.
- Vaccine series (post-exposure prophylaxis).
- Rabies immunoglobulin (if high-risk exposure).
Name three rabies prevention strategies.
- Vaccinate pets and livestock.
- Avoid contact with wild/stray animals.
- Pre-travel vaccination for high-risk regions.
What bacterium causes anthrax?
Bacillus anthracis (spore-forming).
Outline the three forms of anthrax and their transmission routes and Symptoms.
- Cutaneous: Skin contact with spores.
- Inhalation: Breathing spores.
- Gastrointestinal: Consuming contaminated meat.
- Cutaneous: Painless ulcer → black eschar (scab).
- Inhalation: Flu-like symptoms → severe respiratory failure.
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain.
Describe the chain of infection for anthrax.
- Reservoir: Soil or contaminated animal products (e.g., hides).
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Transmission:
- Cutaneous: Spores enter skin abrasions.
- Inhalation: Breathing spores.
- Gastrointestinal: Consuming contaminated meat.
- Portal of Entry: Skin, lungs, or digestive tract.
- Susceptible Host: Farmers, veterinarians, laboratory workers.
How is anthrax treated?
- Antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin, doxycycline (early use critical).
- Antitoxins for severe cases.
List three anthrax prevention measures.
- Livestock vaccination in endemic areas.
- Use PPE (gloves, masks) for high-risk occupations.
- Avoid handling untested animal products.
What bacteria cause brucellosis?
Brucella spp. (B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis).
Explain the chain of infection for brucellosis.
- Reservoir: Infected animals (cattle, goats).
- Transmission: Contact with fluids, unpasteurized dairy.
- Portal of Entry: Skin, mucous membranes, inhalation.
- Susceptible Host: Farmers, veterinarians.
What are the symptoms of brucellosis?
- Undulant fever (recurrent spikes).
- Night sweats, fatigue, joint/muscle pain.
- Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), splenomegaly (enlarged spleen).
What antibiotics treat brucellosis?
Doxycycline + rifampin/streptomycin (6–8 weeks).
How is brucellosis prevented?
- Pasteurize dairy products.
- Vaccinate livestock.
- Use PPE during animal handling.
What pathogen causes leptospirosis?
Leptospira interrogans (bacteria).
How is leptospirosis transmitted to humans?
- Contact with water/soil contaminated by rodent urine.
- Entry via cuts, mucous membranes, or ingestion.
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
- Mild: Fever, headache, muscle pain, red eyes.
- Severe: Jaundice, kidney failure, meningitis, hemorrhagic signs.
What severe complications can occur?
Kidney failure, liver damage, meningitis.
How is leptospirosis treated?
- Antibiotics: Doxycycline/penicillin (early stages).
- Supportive care: IV fluids for severe cases.
Name three prevention strategies.
- Control rodent populations.
- Wear protective gear in high-risk environments.
- Avoid swimming in floodwater/contaminated lakes.
What links these zoonotic diseases?
Transmission from animals to humans; prevention relies on hygiene, vaccination, and vector/rodent control.
Why are occupational exposures common in zoonotic diseases?
Farmers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers frequently handle animals/contaminated materials.
Name one vaccine-preventable zoonotic disease.
Rabies (pre- and post-exposure vaccines).
