Term
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Definition
Staphylococcus aureus
Food Poisoning
Nosocomial Infections
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Direct, person-to-person contact is the most common way this organism is transmitted
Nasal carriers (those that have organisms in their nasal cavities and sinuses
Animals (livestock and pets) - In other words the animal can carry the infectious agent
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS the Skin, mouth, nose, and/or throat
EXITS by secretions from the mouth, nose and/or throat and/or from the various lesions the agent causes (this is an example of how important hand washing is).
Immunity
Considerable natural immunity, serum antibodies show we've all had some types of infections or exposure to the agent.
COCCI |
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Term
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Definition
Streptococcus pyogenes
Strep Throat
Scarlet Fever
Puerperal Sepsis
Rheumatic Fever
Person-to-person (droplet infection) fomites, hands and surgical procedures
Milk (similar to what we learned about staphylococcal food infection)
Nasal carriers are an important source of the organism
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS the body primarily by way of the respiratory tract or through wounds
EXITS by way of the mouth and nose in exudates from areas of infection
Immunity
An attack of Scarlet Fever is usually followed by permanent immunity.
All of the other infections do not result in immunity
COCCI |
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Term
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Definition
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Etiological agent of pneumonia , meningitis and otitis media.
The common name is the pneumococcus.
It also exists in pairs and is described as a diplococcus..
It has a capsule
otitis media
Active cases are carriers
Transferred directly most often by droplet infection
Indirect transmission by fomites (contaminated objects)
Portals of Entry and Exit
Enters by the mouth and nose
Exits by secretions (exudates) from the mouth and nose
COCCI |
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Term
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Definition
The etiological agent of gonorrhea and opthalmia neonatorum
Gonorrhea is one of the most common venereal diseases
The common name is the gonococcus
Difficult to destroy within the body but killed in a short time by sunlight and drying outside the body
Drug resistance is a problem
ENTERS by genital system
EXITS by exudates from the genital system
COCCI |
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Term
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Definition
Neisseria meningitidis
The etiological agent of meningitis also known as meningococcal septicemia.
The common name is the menigococcus.
It is a diplococcus.
Produces an endotoxin.
Primarily droplet infection with the droplets/aerosols or nasopharyngeal discharges from an infected person or carrier.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by nose and mouth
EXITS by nasal and buccal secretions
COCCI |
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Term
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Definition
Clostridium tetani
The common name is the tetanus bacillus.
These are residents of superficial layers of soil and normal flora of horses, cattle, and herbivores.
Pathogenicity
Tetanus is caused by spores of Clostridium tetani when introduced into a wound
Whether a wound is complicated by tetanus depends on:
1. Type of wound
2. The chance of spore contamination
3. Presence of dead tissue
If it were not for the exotoxin produced by this organism, infection with tetanus bacilli would be without effect. Taken in orally the organism does not affect our bodies.
Mode of Transmission - Non-communicable
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by puncture wounds.
NO EXIT
bacilli |
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Term
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Definition
Clostridium perfringens
The etiological agent of gas gangrene in the living person and tissue gas in the dead.
Another name for gas gangrene and tissue gas is clostridial myonecrosis.
Exists as saprophytes in the soil and in the intestinal canal of many animals.
Exists in the spore state in soil.
Non-Communicable.
Wounds contaminated by soil or feces.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by wound.
NO EXIT
bacilli |
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Term
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Definition
Clostridium botulinum
The etiological agent of botulism.
Common inhabitant of the soil.
The toxin, not the bacillus, is responsible for the disease.
It is a poisoning, not an infection (like tetanus).
Pathogenicity
Spores of Clostridium botulinum get into food.
If the food is not canned or preserved properly, the spores are not destroyed.
Mode of Transmission - Non-Communicable
Portals of Entry and Exit
NO ENTRY
NO EXIT
It is not the organism that enters the body; it is the toxin.
bacilli |
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Term
| Corynebacterium diptheriae |
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Definition
Corynebacterium diptheriae
The genus Corynebacterium includes one dreaded pathogen, Corynebacterium diptheriae. It is a rod shaped organism that does not form spores, has a dangerous exotoxin but opposite to Clostridium is a strict aerobe.
The etiological agent of diphtheria, Greek word meaning leather.
Club shaped rod.
Strict aerobe.
Can remain alive in diptheric membrane for several weeks.
Pathogenicity
Diptheria's typical lesion is the pseudomembrane.
ENTERS by nose and mouth.
EXITS by secretions from the nose and mouth.
bacilli |
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Term
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Definition
Bacillus anthracis
This organism is the first of the zoonotic infections. As you know, a zoonosis is an infection primarily seen in animals, secondary transmissible to humans.
The etiological agent of anthrax
It is commonly known as the anthrax bacillus.
This is a rod shaped organism.
It is a sporeformer.
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease of cattle, sheep, horses and hogs that can be easily spread to man
bacilli |
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Term
| Mycobacterium tuberculosis |
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Definition
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
The etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB in humans).
Common name is tubercule bacillus.
It can remain alive in dried sputum or dust in a dark place for weeks or months.
It can remain alive in moist sputum for six weeks.
It is destroyed by pasteurization.
ENTERS by nose and mouth.
EXITS: by sputum, feces and urine
bacilli |
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Term
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Definition
Mycobacterium avium
The etiological agent of the opportunistic form of TB in AIDS.
Another zoonotic infection primarily seen in birds. No, this is not the bird flu we all dread.
This infection is important to the funeral director/embalmer because it infects people with AIDS as a secondary or opportunistic infection.
The portal of entry and exit and mode of transmission is the same as in Tuberculosis.
It is the immunodeficient state of the host that provides the unusual opportunity for this organism to infect the human body.
bacilli |
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Term
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Definition
Francisella tularensis
Tularemia (rabbit fever
Insects that transmit: tick, horseflies, deerflies, fleas, lice
EXITS by secretion from the wound, eyes and fece
EXITS by secretion from the wound, eyes and feces.
Immunity
Attack of the disease results in permanent immunity
Rod |
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Term
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Definition
| Haemophilus influenzae lobar pneumonia, otitis media. acute bronchitis in adults and young children Aerosols from an infected person (droplet infection). Portals of Entry and Exit ENTERS by nose and mouth. EXITS by nasal and buccal secretions. Immunity No immunity known. chronic bronchitis in adults and meningitis droplet infection Rod |
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Term
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Definition
Yersinia pestis
Etiological agent of the Plague.
Common name is the Plague Bacillus.
Another zoonotic infection.
May live in the carcasses of dead rats, in the soil, and in sputum for some time (months in presence of moisture and absence of light).
Pathogenicity
Plague, is known as the Black Death.
Is an infectious disease of rodents (rats) and is transferred
Bubonic ,Pneumonic Septicemic type
Rod |
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Term
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Definition
Legionella pneumophilia
Legionnaires disease or Legionellosis
ENTERS by mouth or nose
NO EXIT
Rod |
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Term
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Definition
Salmonella typhi
Common name is typhoid bacillus. Occurs only in humans.
Etiological agent of typhoid fever.
Endotoxin production
CAN LIVE OUTSIDE THE BODY
Can live in fecal material one to two months.
In milk.
In sewage - contaminated H2O.
typhoid fever
ENTERS by mouth and any other entry does not cause infection.
EXITS by feces and urine
Rod |
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Term
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Definition
Escherichia coli
The common name is colon bacillus, a well known opportunist when out of its normal habitat.
Common cause of peritornitis, pyelonephritis and urinary tract infection.
Also important cause of epidemic diarrhea in nurseries for newborns other wise known as infantile diarrhea or summer diarrhea in infants an important cause of infant death.
Escherichia coli does release an exotoxin that acts on the wall of the small intestines to cause a severe watery diarrhea (enterotoxin).
Rod |
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Term
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Definition
Shigella dysenteriae
Common name: dysentery bacilli
bacillary dysentery or shigellosis
ENTERS by mouth
EXIT by feces
Rod shaped |
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Term
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Definition
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Rod shaped bacteria Pathogenicity
Infection occurs as Lobar Pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
Is a respiratory tract pathogen in males over 40 years of age and in chronic alcoholics of both sexes.
Rod shaped |
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Term
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Definition
Proteus vulgaris
Normal inhabitants of feces, H2O, soil, and sewage.
As secondary invaders (opportunistic organisms) they are important and cause the most damage.
Important causative agent of urinary infections, wound infections, (as in the case of burns) and in summer diarrhea in infants.
Very resistant to drugs.
Very resistant to drugs
Rod shaped bacteria |
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Term
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Definition
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Known to be a causative agent of secondary infections of burns.
Rod shaped bacteria.
Known as the blue pus organism. Yes, the pus is blue in color.
Inhabitant of the normal flora (H2O & soil ).
Usually mildly pathogenic but causes primary infection only the resistance of the host is lowered.
Problem to young infants and aged.
ENTERS by wounds, nose and mouth
NO EXIT |
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Term
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Definition
Treponema pallidum
Etiological agent of Syphilis
Acquired syphillus
Man is its only reservoir
ENTERS by genital tract.
EXITS by secretions from genital tract
Spiral Shaped Bacteria |
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Term
Treponema pallidum
tertiary stage |
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Definition
Treponema pallidum
Cardiovascular Syphilis or tertiary stage syphilis involving the heart and blood vessels (other wise known as: syphilitic aortitis, aortitis, aortic insufficiency)
Spiral Shaped Bacteria |
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Term
Treponema pallidum
tertiary stage (neuro) |
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Definition
Treponema pallidum
Syphlitic meningitis or Meningovascular Syphilis which is an inflammation of the meninges of the brain.
Tabes Dorsalis or Locomotor Ataxia which is marked by muscular incoordination and sensory disturbances.
General Paresis which is other wise known as general paralysis of the insane, paralytic dementia or meningoencephalitis characterized by progressive mental deterioration, insanity, and generalized paralysis, terminating in death.
Spiral Shaped Bacteria |
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Term
Treponema pallidum
. Congenital (prenatal |
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Definition
Treponema pallidum
Congenital (prenatal) syphilis
Disease acquired before birth.
The mother must be infected.
Baby looks like an old man.
Snuffles (nasal discharge, not sniffles).
Syphilitic rhagades (linear scars at the angles of the mouth).
Hutchinson's teeth are poorly formed small peg-shaped teeth with central incisors that are wedge shaped.
Later on the child has: saber shin, bow legs, cornea keratitis, toe and finger dactylitis and neurosyphilis.
Spiral Shaped Bacteria |
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Term
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Definition
Borrelia burgdorferi
The etiological agent of Lyme disease.
The organism is a spirochete.
The infection is spread by the bite of an infected tick.
Currently, this is one of several public health problems along with AIDS and the most common tickborne disease in the United States.
ENTERS when the biological vector bites the person
NO EXIT
Spiral Shaped Bacteria |
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Term
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Definition
Leptospira interrogans
The etiological agent of Leptospirosis also known as infectious jaundice, or Weil's disease.
Occupational disease found in workers in rat infested mines, sewage disposal plants.
Found in wild & domestic animals (zoonotic, man is infected by accident).
Acute febrile disease.
ENTERS probably by the skin or the mouth via contaminated food/water..
NO EXIT
Spiral Shaped Bacteria |
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Term
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Definition
Vibrio cholerae
The etiological agent of cholera.
The most well known vibrio (comma shaped bacteria).
ENTERS by mouth.
EXITS by feces and urine |
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Term
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Definition
Campylobacter jejuni
The ethological agent of bacterial gastroenteritis or enteric campylobacteriosis.
Fecal-oral route-person to person may occur
ENTERS by mouth
EXITS by feces
A spiral shaped organism, specifically, a vibrio |
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Term
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Definition
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
The ethological agent of Primary Atypical Pneumonia (PAP).
Mode of Transmission
It is not very contagious, although it is spread directly from one person to another by oral and nasal secretions (droplet infection).
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by upper respiratory tract (nose and mouth)
EXITS by secretions from same
MYCOPLASMA are smaller then ordinary bacteria and about the size of larger viruses. They are the smallest free-living, self-replicating units |
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Term
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Definition
Rickettsia prowazekii
The etiological agent of typhus fever or epidemic typhus.
The biological vector is the louse (lice plural).
10-40% mortality
Mode of Transmission
Bite of the louse.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by way of the bite.
NO EXIT
Immunity * Immunity after attack |
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Term
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Definition
Rickettsia rickettsii
Is the etiological agent of rocky mountain spotted fever.
The biological vector is the tick.
Pathogenicity
Fever, rash and petecchial hemorrhages.
Mode of Transmission
Bite of the tick.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by way of the bite.
NO EXIT |
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Term
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Definition
Rickettsia typhi
The etiological agent of endemic (flea borne) typhus.
The biological vector is the flea.
The natural infection of rats.
Pathogenicity
Similar to Rickettsia prowazekii.
Mode of Transmission
Bite of the Flea
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by way of the bite.
NO EXIT
Immunity * Immunity after attack |
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Term
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Definition
Coxiella burnettii
The etiological agent of Q Fever.
There is no insect vector.
This is a zoonotic agent involving goats, cattle and sheep.
Occupational hazard for people working around these animals.
Pathogenicity
This organism does not fit the profile of other rickettsia.
There is fever, no rash but symptoms similar to atypical pneumonia or influenza.
Mode of Transmission
Raw milk of infected cows.
Inhalation of contaminated air from dairy barns and lambing sheds.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by mouth or nose.
NO EXIT
Immunity * None |
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Term
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Definition
Chlamydia trachomatis
Is the etiological agent of trachoma, lymphogranuloma venereum, and non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) or non-specific urethritis (NSU). Each of these infections are explained in sections numbered 7, 8, and 9.
Please note: Chlamydia is another genus of bacterial-like organisms similar to rickettsia in that they are obligate intracellular parasites. |
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Term
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Definition
Trachoma
Attacks the lining cells of the cornea and conjunctiva.
The scar tissue causes a pebble-like appearance to conjunctiva.
It is the world's leading cause of blindness/visual disability.
It is endemic in underprivileged areas.
Mode of Transmission
Flies transmit mechanically, fingers and fomites as well.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by way of the eyes.
EXITS by secretions from the eyes.
Immunity * No Immunity |
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Term
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Definition
Lymphogranuloma venereum
A sexually transmitted similar to gonorrhea as it is only found in humans.
In men the primary ulceration is on the external genital organs. The agent travels to the inguinal lymph nodes and buboes are formed.
In women from the primary lesion in the genital tract it travels to lymph nodes within the pelvis where the chronic inflammation leads to stricture of rectum.
In both men and women, the infection is mainly in the lymphatics, deformity results on the outer genitalia.
Fever, chills, headache, joint pains continue during lymph progression.
Mode of Transmission
Primarily direct contact/sexually transmission.
Immunity
None |
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Term
| Non-Gonococcal urethritis |
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Definition
Non-Gonococcal urethritis Pathogenicity
This organism's symptoms closely parallel that of Neisseria gonnorheae relative to the urethritis, cervicitis and the conjunctivitis of the new born and adult.
The incubation period of Chlamydia trachomits is longer and the symptoms are milder. However, the chronic nature of this unchecked infection is on a par with Neisseria gonnorheae.
Mode of Transmission
Sexual contact.
Contaminated hands.
Immunity * No immunity |
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Term
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Definition
Chlamydia psittaci
The etiological agent of psittacosis and ornithosis.
As zoonotic infection involving parrots and parakeets for psittacosis and domestic fowl and birds (chicken, turkey, pigeon) for ornithosis.
Pathogenicity
There is fever, headache, pneumonic involvement and a heavy cough.
Mortality is high.
Mode of Transmission
Man contracts the disease from birds and/or their infected material by inhalation.
Handling sick birds and bites and wounds inflicted by sick birds.
ENTERS by way of the respiratory tract.
NO EXIT
Immunity - Unknown |
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Term
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Definition
There are two types of fungi:
UNICELLULAR FUNGI are yeast.
MULTICELLULAR FUNGI are molds.
Fungi grow best in warm and moist surroundings. They can grow in the presence of acid and sugar.
They are rather resistant to cold
The growth of molds can be prevented on most anything by refrigerating it at temperatures less than 20°F. |
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Term
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Definition
Dermatomycoses: is an infection seen in the skin, hair, and nails caused by a wide variety of fungi and called ringworm or Tinea.
Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp.
Tinea barbae is ring worm of the beard known as barber's itch.
Tinea cruris is ring worm of the groin.
Tinea pedis is ring worm of the feet known as athlete's foot.
Tinea unguium is ring worm of the nails.
Most of the fungi causing Tineas belong to three genera:
Microsporum affect the skin or hair.
Trichophyton affect the hair, skin or nails.
Epidermophyton affect the skin or nails. |
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Term
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Definition
Candida albicans
The etiological agent of candidiasis also known as moniliasis.
It is normally found on the mucous membrane of the mouth, the intestinal tract, vagina and the skin of persons without the disease.
Pathogenicity
Fungal infection in the mouth is called thrush.
The Vaginal infection caused by this agent is vulvovaginitis or vaginal thrush. It causes problems for newborns and is associated with a vaginal discharge due largely to sugar content of the urine in pregnancy and uncontrolled diabetes.
Bronchopulmonary or pulmonary candidiasis form in the lungs.
Systematic candidiasis and or a fungemia form in the kidneys, retina and meninges when this organism is present and after the administration of a broad spectrum antibiotic.
This infection is commonly present in the diabetic, alcoholic and people with endocrine disorders and malnutrition.
Mode of Transmission
Contaminated fingers, fomites, utensils, nipples |
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Term
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Definition
Coccidioides immitis
Is the etiological agent of coccidioidomycosis.
One of the most infectious of the fungal disorders.
Pathogenicity
Exists in two forms:
The primary form is confined to lungs and is self-limited and mild.
The progressive form spreads to skin, subcutaneous tissues, meninges, and internal organs
Mode of Transmission
No evidence of person to person transmission.
Transmitted primarily by inhalation from the soil, dust or plants.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by mouth or nose.
NO EXIT |
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Term
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Definition
Histoplasma capsulatum
Is the etiological agent of Histoplasmosis.
Pathogenicity
Diphasic organism
Primary phase involves the lungs (pulmonary mycoses), fever, ulcers in the mouth, larynx, pharynx, liver, spleen, lymph, bone
Progressive phase involves ulcerating lesions in the nose and mouth, enlargement of the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes
The progressive form of the disease is most often observed in the very young, the aged, or those with immunological deficiencies.
Inhalation of spores, excreta of birds and bats
Inhalation of dust from caves, soil.
ENTERS by nose and mouth.
NO EXIT |
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Term
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Definition
Cryptococcus neoformans
Is the etiological agent of cryptococcosis and the most dangerous fungal disorder in humans.
Primary site of infections is the lungs.
There is an extension of the infection to the meninges of the brain and the spinal cord.
The organism disseminates frequently to the lymph nodes, liver, kidney, spleen and bone marrow of patients with serious immune deficiency.
It is a life threatening opportunistic infection in AIDS patients.
Yeast cells are present in the soil and can be inhaled.
Pigeon droppings are a source of the infection.
There is no evidence that the disease can be transmitted from person to person.
ENTERS by the nose or mouth.
NO EXIT |
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Term
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Definition
Pneumocystis carinii
Is the etiological agent of pneumocystosis.
A common, fungal opportunistic infection in AIDS patients that frequently proves to be fatal.
Pathogencity
The fungus causes interstitial plasma cell pneumonia which is characterized by infiltration of the aveoli with plasma cells, exudate and the fungi.
There is often progressive difficulty in breathing.
ENTERS by nose and mouth.
EXITS by nasal and buccal secretions.
Immunity
Most people have natural immunity.
Immunodeficient people have minimal immunity to this agent |
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Term
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Definition
Entamoeba histolytica
It occurs in two forms:
Acute amebiasis or amebic dysentery is characterized by an intense dysentery with bloody, mucous filled stool
Chronic or latent amebiasis is characterized by vague intestinal disturbances, muscular aching, loss of weight, even constipation.
Infections of these types can be acquired only by swallowing cysts.
Infections come from the feces of a person excreting cysts.
Pathogenicity
Chronic/latent amebiasis causes mild disturbances where ulcers heal almost as fast as they form.
The acute form happens when the resistance of the host is lowered or massive infection occurs. The host is unable to repair the ulcers as soon as they form. Increasing ulceration causes a violent dysentery, blood and mucous and maybe perforation of the intestine. .
Infection usually acquired by the eating of uncooked food contaminated with feces containing cysts.
Vegetables fertilized with human excreta
Contaminated H2O with sewage
Flies and other insects may spread the cysts mechanically
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by way of the mouth
EXITS by way of feces. |
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Term
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Definition
Plasmodium
All members of this species are protozoan.
They cause an acute febrile disease.
The etiological agent of tertian malaria is Plasmodium vivax.
The etiological agent of quartan malaria is Plasmodium malariae.
The etiological agent of malignant malaria is Plasmodium falciparum.
Pathogenicity
The chief pathological changes in malaria relate to the destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis). This leads to different degrees of anemia and jaundice.
The parasite seems to make the blood more viscous and they obstruct small blood vessels.
The liver and spleen enlarge and a severe kind of renal failure may develop.
The paroxysms of chills and fevers in malaria stem from the liberation of metabolic by-products from the parasite and toxic breakdown of the blood cells. This occurs every 48 hours for Plasmodium vivax and every 72 hours for Plasmodium malariae. The cycle of Plasmodium falcaparum is not defined because attacks may occur at widely scattered intervals.
The bite of a female Anopheles mosquito and contaminated syringes.
Man is the main reservoir of infection.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by the bite of the mosquito.
NO EXIT |
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Term
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Definition
Toxoplasma gondii
The etiological agent of Toxoplasmosis.
It is a zoonotic infection.
It is a systemic protozoan infection
Pathogenicity
The cat is the definitive host of this organism but it is also found in dogs, cattle, sheep, chickens and goats.
In adults the protozoan multiplies and encysts in the retina causing pain, vision problems and eventually severe vision impairment.
Disseminated toxoplasmosis is rare but is seen with increasing frequency in AIDS patients.
Congenital toxoplasmosis is acquired in utero and causes serious consequences to the fetus in the first trimester.
Beyond the first trimester multi organ involvement complicates the pregnancy.
Humans become infected by consumption of raw or under cooked meat or poultry or by contact with cat feces.
Toxoplasma gondii can be transmitted across the placenta to the fetus.
Transmission can occur during delivery.
ENTERS by way of the mouth.
NO EXIT |
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Term
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Definition
Smaller than the finest parasite resolvable by the compound microscope.
All are Obligate Intracelluar Parasites.
1. Skin - Dermotropic - smallpox, measles, chickenpox, herpes simplex
2. Respiratory Tract - Pneumotropic - common cold, influenza, viral pneumonia
3. Nervous System - Neurotropic - rabies, poliomyelitis, encephalitis
4. Organs of the Body - Viscerotropic - viral hepatitis, mumps
Viruses are either:
General - disseminated by the bloodstream - smallpox, chickenpox, measles, yellow fever, rubella.
Local - poliomyelitis, rabies, herpes simplex, warts, influenza, common cold, mumps, hepatitis.
Lifelong as in (mumps, smallpox, measles).
No immunity at all (common cold, influenza). |
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Term
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Definition
Rubeola (Measles)
Acute communicable disease 10-12 days
1. Catarrhal inflammation of respiratory passages.
2. Fever
3. Skin rash
4. Predilections to secondary invaders (Streptococcus pneumoniae)
Mode of Transmission
Directly from person to person very little by fomites.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by mouth and nose.
EXITS by lacrimal, nasal, and buccal secretions.
Immunity
Children of mothers who have had the disease are immune six months.
The measles vaccine has reduced the incidence of measles in the United States. |
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Term
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Definition
Rubella - a/k/a German Measles Pathogenicity
1. Mild catarrhal inflammation of the respiratory tract.
2. Fever
3. Skin rash
Mode of Transmission
Directly and indirectly.
Primarily droplet infection.
In one of four women who contract rubella during first to fourth month of pregnancy their fetus suffers congenital defects or is malformed (placental transfer)
During the first to fourth week of pregnancy, half of the fetuses will be deformed due to Congenital Rubella or Congenital Rubella syndrome.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by droplet infection.
EXITS by secretions from the nose and throat
by nasal and buccal secretions
by blood, urine, and feces.
Immunity
After attack, permanent immunity. |
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Term
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Definition
Smallpox - a/k/a Variola
Pathogenicity
Highly communicable disease, it is the most infectious.
Fever
Rash
Hemorrhage evolution
Human only reservoir.
EVEN THE DEAD CAN BE A SOURCE OF INFECTION.
Mode of Transmission
Directly and indirectly.
By pustules, fomites, and contact carriers.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by the respiratory tract.
EXITS by nasal and buccal secretions
by blood
by skin lesions
Immunity
After attack permanent immunity. |
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Term
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Definition
Vaccinia
Cowpox - Vaccinia - similar pox virus to smallpox
Produces a mild disease in either man or cattle (natural host).
Important because it was used to develop the vaccine to produce immunity against the severe smallpox |
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Term
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Definition
Chickenpox And Shingles
Chickenpox - generalized
Shingles - localized
1. Varicella causes chickenpox.
Mild disease, fever, of children.
Rash - concentrated on the trunk.
Direct contact with a patient (no immunity to infant).
2. Herpes Zoster causes shingles.in adults.
Rash vesicles occur on one side of the chest following the course of peripheral nerves.
Associated with intense, burning pain.
Mode of Transmission
Direct and Indirect.
The virus is present in the fluid of the vesicles lesions that form in both infections but is predominantly spread by contact with the secretions of the respiratory tract.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by nose and mouth.
EXITS by nasal and buccal secretions.
Immunity - Impossible to determine |
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Term
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Definition
Herpes Simplex
Fever blisters.
Cold sores.
Both normally occur around the mouth.
Mode of Transmission
Spreads via respiratory route
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by nose and mouth.
EXITS by nasal and buccal secretions. |
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Term
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Definition
Herpes Simplex
B. HSV Type Il
Pathogenicity
A venereal disease
Cause of lesions on the genital organs, hence, the name genital herpes
Recurrent HSV ll often accompanies febrile illness, fatigue, mental strain or menstruation.
Most carriers of HSV ll have at least six recurrences a year.
Mode of Transmission
Direct sexual contact causing skin and mucosal lesions below the waste.
Portal of Entry and Exit
ENTERS genital tract
EXITS saliva and genital secretions
Immunity - None |
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Term
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Definition
Influenza
Highly communicable disease seen as the most frequent cause of epidemics and pandemics.
Frequency of serious secondary bronchopneumonia.
H1N1 is the most recent influenza agent.
Mode of Transmission
Spread by direct and indirect contact including the most common method, droplet infection.
It is thought that this organism lives in animals, multiplies and genetically changes for the next flu season.
There are usually explosive outbreaks because of the number susceptible and the fact that during the early days of the attack the patient is not confined to bed.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by mouth and nose.
EXITS by secretions from mouth, nose and anal swabbings.
Immunity
Natural Immunity for some.
Active Immunity to specific strain but not indefinitely. |
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Term
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Definition
Acute coryza Common cold
Pathogenicity
A frequent cause of upper respiratory infection.
It is spread predominantly by direct contact including droplet infection but we must not rule out indirect methods like fomites, hands, etc.
Predispositions to chilling, dampness, sudden change in temperature, dusty atmosphere, loss of sleep, overwork.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by nose, mouth, throat and upper respiratory tract.
EXITS by secretions from the upper respiratory tract.
Immunity
Immunity is brief. |
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Term
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Definition
A pulmonary syndrome that includes fever, muscle aches, headaches and cough that progresses rapidly to respiratory failure.
Out break in the early nineties in the United States resulted in several deaths.
It is believed to be transmitted by the inhalation of salivary or fecal aerosols of infected rodents.
There is no known person to person transmission as is in most zoonotic infections.
Only sporadic cases have been diagnosed since the nineties.
Immunity
No known immunity |
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Term
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Definition
HAV (Hepatitis A Virus)
Pathogenicity
Called infectious hepatitis obviously a disease of the liver.
This infection starts out with fever, anorexia, nausea and abdominal discomfort. It is usually mild but can be serious in the elderly and in the immune deficient.
Mode of Transmission
Transmitted by the fecal-oral route, usually by contaminated food, directly from person to person, water, milk and shellfish can also be sources of infection.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by way of feces and contaminated food
EXITS by way of most bodily fluids.
Immunity
No natural immunity.
Prevention
A vaccine is available to prevent HAV. |
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Term
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Definition
HBV (Hepatitis B Virus)
Pathogenicity
Called serum hepatitis a more severe liver disease.
Onset of this infection is insidious and takes up to five plus months to incubate. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and sometimes extreme fatigue, a skin rash and even arthritis. A fever may be present with Jaundice as time goes on.
Mode of Transmission
Transmitted by contaminated blood or needles but the virus has been detected in urine, saliva, tears, semen, breast milk, and skin lesions of infected individuals. So, close personal contact with body fluids and secretions may result in infection.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by way of site of needle for blood transfusion.
EXITS by blood, urine, saliva, tears, semen, breast milk, and secretions from wounds.
Immunity
No natural immunity.
Prevention
There is a vaccine available to prevent HBV. |
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Term
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Definition
HCV (Hepatitis C Virus)
Also known as Non A, Non B Viral Hepatitis.
Mode of Transmission
Transmitted by the parenteral route.
This infection occurs following blood transfusions. The infection can be serious and rapidly fulminating.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by way of the needlestick.
EXITS by way of the blood.
Immunity
No natural immunity.
Prevention
No vaccine available. |
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Term
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Definition
Infectious Mononucleosis
Glandular Fever
Is an acute infectious viral disease with enlargement of the lymph nodes and spleen, sore throat and mild fever that is usually benign and self-limited.
It is most frequently caused by the Epstein Barr Virus and seen in children and young adults.
Mode of Transmission
The disease is transmitted by mouth to mouth contact ("kissing disease") and blood, blood products and bone marrow transplants.
Portals of Entry and Exit
I am certain that the portal of entry and exit are clear to you. Email me if you are uncertain.
Immunity
No natural immunity
Prevention
Currently there is no prevention. |
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Term
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Definition
Cytromegalovirus CMV
Pathogenicity
This virus can affect any organ of the body but is usually found in the gastrointestinal tract.
The symptoms include fever and the enlargement of the spleen similar to infectious mononucleosis.
CMV may also complicate renal transplants, is associated with post transfusion infection and is a frequent complication in AIDS patients.
Mode of Transmission
The virus is transmitted by kissing, sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, organ transplant and fomites. It can also be transmitted across the placenta causing major birth defects especially in the Central Nervous System.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by any orifice of the body and via blood and transfusions.
EXITS by way of secretions, exudates or bodily fluids from any orifice of the body.
Immunity
An immune globulin can treat CMV but there is no vaccine available.
Prevention
None. |
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Term
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Definition
Epidemic parotitis Mumps
Pathogenicity
Another name for this infection is mumps.
It is distinct for the painful inflammatory swelling of one or both parotid glands; typically seen in children.
The swelling accompanied by fever, headache and muscular aches.
The virus can spread to other organs. It can infect the testicles in 20 to 25% of adult males and may cause sterility.
Mode of Transmission
Mumps is mostly transferred from person to person by droplets of saliva and indirectly by contaminated hands or fomites.
ENTERS by nose and mouth.
EXIT by nasal and buccal secretions.
Immunity
Permanent active immunity after infection.
Prevention
Mumps is becoming a rare disease with the introduction of a vaccine. |
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Term
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Definition
Hydrophobia Rabies
An acute paralytic ordinarily fatal disease.
Virus is found in dogs, sheep, goats, cats, horses, hogs, coyotes, raccoons, bats, wolves, foxes, and skunks.
Vampire bat is an asymptomatic carrier.
Mode of Transmission
Once in the body the virus migrates along the peripheral nerves damaging them as they spread.
Rabies begins with fever, irritability and difficulty in swallowing.
Often the mere sight of water causes the throat muscles to spasm. Hence, the reference to the word Hydrophobia.
ENTERS by bite of infected animals.
NO EXIT
Vaccines are available.
Rabies immunoglobulin is also given in all cases of post exposure. |
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Term
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Definition
Poliomyelitis
An acute inflammation of the spinal cord and brain stem characterized by stiff neck, fever, sore throat, headache and nausea.
The site of paralysis depends on the location of the viral chain.
It is the paralysis eventually attacking the muscle of respiration (diaphragm) that can cause death.
Mode of Transmission
The viruses are transmitted by direct contact with nasopharyngeal secretions or feces of an infected person.
Water, milk and possibly flies have been responsible for outbreaks.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by nose and mouth.
EXITS by way of nasal and buccal secretions and feces.
Immunity
No natural immunity
Prevention
Vaccines are available. |
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Term
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Definition
Viral encephalitis
An inflammation of the brain and spinal cord characterized by altered cerebral function including loss of consciousness in humans.
Symptoms include headache and fever.
Mode of Transmission
Humans are only an accidental host because these infections occur primarily in other mammals, birds, specifically, horses and mules (zoonosis) are well known sources of the virus.
The Culex mosquito is an important biological vector but ticks and mites are also possible vectors.
Portals of Entry and Exit
ENTERS by bite of insect.
NO EXIT
Immunity
No natural immunity.
Prevention
Vaccines for the horse population are available.
Control of the insect population. |
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Term
| Creutzfeldt-Jacobs Disease (CJD) |
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Definition
Creutzfeldt-Jacobs Disease (CJD)
ransmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) also known as prion diseases are human and zoonotic, fatal, degenerative brain diseases.
A prion is a protein molecule that is believed to be the origin of the TSE. Can you believe it a protein molecule causes this infection?
Pathogenicity
For reasons that are not yet understood, the normal prion protein changes into a pathogenic form that then damages the central nervous system.
Person to person contact is not known to transmit this disease.
Invasive surgical procedures involving certain tissues of the body serve as a method of transmission. Infection is often found in the central nervous system, specifically the brain, spinal cord and eyes. In fact, this is evidenced by the statistics that people who have had corneal transplants, undergone neurosurgery and been recipients of dura mater transplants have contracted CJD..
EXITS unknown |
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Term
| Human immunodeficiency virus I - (HIV) |
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Definition
Human immunodeficiency virus I - (HIV)
The virus infects the T cells (CD4 and lymphocytes) those which are fighting infection. The virus kills many of the T Cells, thus, making the individual vulnerable to opportunistic infections.
When the person is initially infected they experience flu-like symptoms in three to six weeks. Sexual contact or blood contact during this time usually transmits the virus because of the high numbers of viruses in the blood.
However, the virus may remain latent for months or even years or it may begin replicating viral copies soon. |
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