Microbiology Paper

Module 06 Homework Assignment

Use the information presented in this module along with additional outside research to answer the questions:

1. Differentiate between bacterial infection and intoxication; give an example for each.

Bacterial infection—occurs when a pathogen enters the gastrointestinal tract, adheres and multiplies.

Bacterial intoxication—occurs when toxins produced by bacteria contaminate food or water, which are then introduced to the human body.

2. Describe rotavirus infections; include prevalence, transmission, symptoms, and treatment.

Prevalence: most common cause of infectious diarrhea in infants and children worldwide.

Transmission: contaminated food or water

Prevention: vaccines are available. WHO established the Rotavirus Vaccine Program (RVP) to address the problem.

Treatment: primarily supportive care, fluid replacement.

3. Discuss giardiasis; include causative agent, transmission, symptoms, and treatment.

Cause: the protozoan Giardia lamblia

Transmission: contaminated water

Symptoms: malaise, nausea, weakness, weight loss, cramps, diarrhea

Treatment: metronidazole, furazolidone, tinidazole, quinacrine

4. Compare and contrast bacterial and viral meningitis.

Symptoms of bacterial and viral meningitis are similar, with fever, headaches, tiredness, or sleepiness.

Bacterial—not as common as viral meningitis but more severe in nature due to toxin production.

Viral—relatively common and usually not as serious as bacterial

5. List and describe the four different types of tetanus.

Local tetanus—persistent contraction of muscles at the site of the injury; uncommon.

Cephalic tetanus—C. tetani is present in the flora of the middle ear or following head injuries. Rare.

Generalized tetanus—"lockjaw", stiffness in neck, difficulty swallowing, rigidity of pectoral and calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus). Common.

Neonatal tetanus—occurs in newborns who have not acquired the necessary passive immunity from...