Actinomyces
These endogenous anaerobic organisms characteristically grow as filamentous branching Gram-positive bacteria. Actinomyces israelii is the etiologic agent for actinomycosis.
Some species are members of the normal oral and GI flora.
Lecture Outline | Case Study
Anaerobic Bacteria
The anaerobes are organisms that grow only in the absence of molecular oxygen. There are several major groups, listed below as links to separate topics and their slide sets. A general set of information on anaerobic bacterial culture is also shown below. See: Bacteroides Clostridium botulinum Clostridium difficle Clostridium perfringens Clostridium tetani
Anthrax
Caused by a gram-positive spore forming bacillus, and carried in some animal populations, anthrax is considered a zoonotic disease. In the last decade, this organism has gained prominence because of its potential for
military use. Go to Bacillus anthracis
Antibiotic Resistance
Increasingly a concern for medical practitioners, antibiotic resistance is an area where rapid change means frequent updates on the status of a particular pathogen.
Click on the links below for theoretical discussions, laboratory techniques for determining pathogen resistance and CDC updates.
Powerpoint Slides | Laboratory | Web Links | On the Farm
Anatomical Sites of Bacterial Infection
There are many ways to categorize bacterial agents. One way is to describe where on the human body they are likely to be found, and where they are likely to cause infection. Click the link below to find out more.
Lecture Outline |
Arboviruses
In the U.S. viral diseases transmitted by arthropods include the encephalitides and Colorado tick fever virus. These are less severe than arboviral diseases found in more tropical climates, but some are on the rise as agents
of human infection. West Nile virus in particular is of increasing interest as an agent of human disease transmitted during the summer months via mosquito bites.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Arthropods of Medical Importance
Many bacterial, rickettsial, parasitic and viral diseases are transmitted by the bite of an arthropod. In the U.S. the arthropods are most commonly mosquitos or ticks. But, there are even arthropods that cause direct "infestations" like
those that cause itch mites and head lice. Read about them at the links below.
Lecture Notes | Web Links
Aseptic Meningitis
Viral meningitis is also called aseptic meningitis, mainly to distinguish it from bacterial meningitis. Unlike the disease caused by bacterial agents,
viral meningits typically runs its course without complications, although an increased risk of seizures can be problematic in young children.
Go to Viral Meningitis
Aspergillosis and Aspergillus fumigatus Aspergillus fumigatus and other members of the Aspergillus genus are associated with allergies, bronchitis and "Sick Building Syndrome". Find out more about this opportunistic fungal pathogen at the links below: Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Bacillus anthracis
This bacterial agent is a gram-positive spore forming bacillus, and carried in some animal populations, especially in developing countries like Africa.
It causes the disease anthrax, which is considered a zoonotic disease. In the last decade, this organism has gained prominence because of its potential for
military use. Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Bacterial Culture, Basic
The basics of bacterial culture on agar are shown at the laboratory link below. Topics include pure culture techniques, antibiotic resistance concepts and several types of staining methodology. BASIC BACTERIAL CULTURE LABORATORY
Bacterial Genetics
The basic principles of bacterial genetics are presented here including complementation, recombination, genetic elements, transfer of genetic information and mutation. Lecture
Bacterial Growth and Death
Bacterial growth dynamics are determined by available nutrients and the inhibitory effects of metabolic wastes. Also important to this topic are concepts of physical agents like ultraviolet light and chemical agents
that can death to bacterial cells through a number of mechanisms. Lecture
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis can be caused by a number of different species; however, Neisseria meningitidis is an important pathogen that continues to cause meningitis, especially within specific patient populations. Powerpoint Slides | Laboratory
Bacterial Physiology
Bacteria use many different types of physiological mechanisms. Those that cause human disease are a little less complicated. Many are facultative anaerboes, meaning that they can switch metabolism to take advantage
of available nutrients.
Powerpoint Slides
Bacterial Staining
Staining methodology. The link is to a subset of the material on the "Bacterial Culture" page, above. Laboratory
Bacterial Toxins
Many types of bacteria produce toxins. These excreted protein molecules act in many different ways to cause damage to human tissues. Powerpoint Slides
Bacteroides
This group of endogenous anaerobes is gram-negative and does not form spores. They are members of the normal human bacterial flora of mucous membranes and a common cause of endogenous infections.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Bacteriology, Basic
An introduction to bacterial shapes, sizes and growth patterns. The slideshow includes information about inhibition of bacterial growth by chemical and physical agents and antibacterial drugs. Powerpoint Slides | Laboratory
Blastomycosis
This infection is classified as a mycosis. The fungal pathogen causes either systemic or cutaneous infection, depending upon the route of exposure. Disease is endemic to the Ohio River valley in the U.S.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Bordetella pertussis
Pertussis is the disease caused by Bordetella pertussis and it is also known as "whooping cough". This infection was once included in a group of "childhood diseases", that are now reduced in incidence
because of active immunization programs in industrialized countries.
Lecture Notes | Powerpoint Slides
Borrelia species
Lyme disease is caused by one prominent member of the genua Borrelia but there are others. Borrelia burgdorferi is known for the "bulls-eye" lesions of Lyme disease but Borrelia recurrentis causes
another disease transmitted by the bite of arthropods. Read more at the links below.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Botulism
This is a food-borne disease caused by ingestion of preformed toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. The toxin causes flaccid paralysis because of its effects at the presynaptic junction, where it blocks nerve impluses.
Lecture Notes | Web Links
Brucellosis
Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by one of four main pathogens in the genus Brucella. Diesease is associated with exposure to the appropriate animal reservoir.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Campylobacter
Campylobacteriosis is an infection caused by ingestion of contaminated foods, most commonly chicken. The disease is a gastroenteritis.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Candidiasis Candida albicans is a fungal organism associated with the normal skin surface of most humans. It causes "diaper rash" and "dishwasher's hands" in its mild form, and more invasive forms of infection in
unique populations. Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Cestodes
The cestodes are the tapeworms, metazoan parasites that live in the intestinal tract. They cause mainly gastrointestinal problems, but a few, like Taenia solium, can cause more severe disease.
Lecture Notes | Web Links
Childhood Diseases
The "Childhood Diseases" are a those from a collection of fevers and rashes that at one time were universally found in pediatric patients. Many of these have been suppressed in the population of developed
countries through active immunization programs. Several are re-emerging as problems in countries where parents refuse to allow their children to be vaccinated.
Lecture Notes | Childhood Parasites | U.S. 2008 Childhood Immunization Schedule
Chlamydia
The bacterial genus Chlamydia includes several different species that cause infections like blinding trachoma, neonatal pneumonia, nongonoccal urethritis and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Click the links below for information on all the species, or individual species links for details.
Chlamydophila pneumoniae
This bacterial agent is responsible for respiratory infections and atypical pneumonia. It primarily affects school-aged children and most individuals will have been infected by the time they reach adult life.
Lecture Notes | Web Links
Chlamydophila psittaci
This bacterial agent is associated with disease acquired by handling infected psittacine birds (parrots, parakeets and other exotic birds). The patient inhales contaminated bird feces and is impacted by a respiratory
infection with fever. The mortality rate in untreated cases is high, around 5-20%.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Chlamydia trachomatis and Sexually-Transmitted Infection Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes D through K cause the infection known as "chlamydia", the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. The L serotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis
cause a glandular disease known as lymphogranuloma venereum. These infections can result in scarring of the reproductive tract and infertility.
Powerpoint Slides | Laboratory Diagnosis | Web Links
Cholera Vibrio cholerae is the bacterial agent responsible for the disease known by the same name. Cholera is an ancient disease, associated with contaminated water and affecting humans in sweeping pandemics for millenia. Modern pandemics have been found in Asia, Africa and South America.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Clostridium species, general information
These anaerobic bacteria are gram-positive, spore-formers. Information about individual species and diseases is found at the links below.
Lecture Notes | Web Links
Clostridium botulinum
The bacterial agent responsible for the disease botulism, Clostridium botulinum is an anaerobic organism associated with the ingestion of contaminated food. Botulism is a classic form of toxin-induced food poisoning.
Lecture Notes | Web Links
Clostridium difficle
The disease caused by this bacterial agent is pseudomembranous ulcerative colitis. The agent is a gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobic organism. The diarrhea syndrome can result when the anaerobic agent overgrows
the bowel after a patient has been treated with certain antibiotics.
Lecture Notes | Web Links
Clostridium perfringens
This anaerobic bacteria is a member of the normal gut flora for humans. Disease is caused by deep wounds that become contaminated with the organism, and can be a post-surgical complication.
Lecture Notes | Web Links
Clostridium tetani
The disease tetanus is caused by this bacterial agent that is another member of the gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobes from the genus Clostridium.
Growth of the bacteria is less important than production of bacterial toxin, so the spastic paralysis due to the toxin's action is classified as a toxemia.
Lecture Notes | Web Links
CNS Viruses
Viruses that affect the central nervous system include the arboviruses, rabies virus, the prion diseases (which are not actually viruses at all), and several that produce CNS effects, but are not considered
along with the viruses in this group.
Powerpoint Slides
Coccidioidomycosis Coccidioides immitis causes this systemic fungal respiratory infection in endemic areas. The mycosis presents as a "flu" with fever, cough, headaches, rash, and body aches.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Corynebacterium diphtheriae Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the infectious agent responsible for the disease diphtheria. Childhood vaccination programs have all but eliminated the disease in the U.S. Severe disease is associated with the
formation of a pseudomembrane that can obstruct the airways and cause suffocation. The membrane is only produced by strains that carry a bacteriophage virus that encodes diphtheria toxin.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Cryptococcosis Cryptococcus neoformans is the fungal agent that causes this systemic respiratory infection. Especially associated with pigeon droppings, persons who are at-risk for infection include cancer patients,
transplant recipients and other immunosuppressed individuals.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidiosis is an infection transmitted by contaminated drinking water or recreational water. It is a parasitic disease that causes diarrhea.
Outline Format Information | Web Links
Dermatophyte Fungi
The fungal agents that cause skin infections but not deeper disease are collectively called the "Dermatophytes", or those producing dermatophytic infection. The condition is called "Tinea" and named for the area of the
body affected (tinea corporis = body fungus; tinea capitis = head infection).
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Diphtheria
See also Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Before vaccines were available, diphtheria was a respiratory disease that affected mainly children. Infection begins with a sore throat and low-grade fever. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck occurs with severe disease. Cardiac and nervous
system complications as well as airway obstruction are complications of respiratory diphtheria and death can result in up to 10% of cases. Childhood vaccination programs have all but eliminated the disease in the U.S.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Emerging Foodborne Disease
Many types of infection are increasing over time. Various factors contribute to this problem including the rise in population, increase in food consumption from prepared sources rather than in the home, and lack
in inspection that contributes to poor sanitation practices.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Encephalitis, Arboviral
There are several types of virus that are transmitted through the bite of arthropods. The arboviral encephalitis viruses that are important in the U.S. include West Nile virus, California Encephalitis virus, the Equine
Encephalitis viruses and St. Louis Encephalitis virus. Worldwide there are many others.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Enterobacteriacae, the Gram-Negative Enteric Bacteria
The enteric bacteria are largely represented by the family Enterobacteriacae that includes Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella as
well as several other species that are important agents of human disease.
Powerpoint Slides | Laboratory | Minaturized Systems for Culture Identification
Escherichia coli
One of the most common bacteria in humans, E. coli is found as a normal flora organism (it inhabits the lower gastrointestinal tract). This and other coliform bacteria are responsible for a vast array of human infections.
Of particular concern is the strain O157:H7, a type of E. coli associated with recent fatal outbreaks of contaminated foods.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links | On the Farm
Fasciitis and Infection with Group A Strep
One severe type of infection is fasciitis, or infection of the large sheets of connective tissue known as fascia. This can be a life-threatening condition.
Case Study
Flagella and Mechanisms of Bacterial Motility
Bacteria use a special type of flagella to move from one place to another. In addition, some mobilize eukaryotic cell action in order to propel themselves through the environment in response to molecules that either attract
or repell them.
Lecure Outline
Francisella tularensis
Disease caused by this gram-negative rod is transmitted by infected rabbits, or through the bite of a deer fly. It is therefore categorized a zoonotic infection: Tularemia.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Foodborne Infections
Foodborne disease comes in many forms and can be caused by bacteria or their toxins that are released into foods, or viruses. Links provided here go back to the "Emerging Foodborne Infections" grouped above.
Lecture Outline
Fungal Chemotherapy
The agents used to treat fungal infections can cause problems for humans because our cells and those of fungal pathogens are both eukaryotic. Selective cytotoxicity is not as good as when chemicals are used to treat
human infections caused by prokaryotes.
Powerpoint Slides | Web links
Fungal Infections, Systemic
Information for the systemic infections caused by fungi is linked below.
See Mycosis, Systemic
Fungal Structure and Taxonomy
The fungal infections that cause problems for humans are mainly opportunistic infections caused by organisms that are professional saprophytes. The agents typically make their living by absorbing nutrients from
decomposing organic matter. Humans are mainly incidental hosts.
Powerpoint Slides | Web links
Fusospirochetal Disease
Synergistic infection of the oral cavity, especially the gingiva, by bacterial agents including Borrelia gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Clostridium perfringens, among other species is known as
Fusospirochetal Disease or Trench Mouth.
Powerpoint Slides
Gastrointestinal Viruses
Viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract, known as gastroenteritis or enterocolitis, can be caused by a wide variety of viruses. Common viruses are rotavirus and the picornaviruses of the enterovirus group. They are
among the most common viral agents that cause disease in humans.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Giardia lamblia
Giardiasis is the disease caused by Giardia lamblia, a parasite of the lower gastrointestinal tract. Chronic diarrhea is the main symptom and the patient can have weight loss and flatulence as additional problems.
Outline Format Information | Web Links
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is the disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a gram-negative bacterial agent that causes a number of infections, most commonly of the reproductive tract. It is one
of the sexually transmitted pathogens.
Powerpoint Slides
Gram Negative Sepsis and Septic Shock
Gram negative bacteria are notorious for causing septic shock, a disease condition where the immune system is powerfully activated by the by-products of infection, in particular lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Septic shock is the cause of death for a large number of hospitalized patients each year, many of them elderly.
Powerpoint Slides
Group B Streptococcal Disease (GBS)
At one time in the not-too-distant past, Group B Strep infection was a major cause of neonatal meningitis in the U.S. Now, an aggressive
program of prenatal surveillance and for the organism and treatment before delivery has greatly reduced these infections. Read more about it at the links below.
Powerpoint Slides | Laboratory | Web Links
Haemophilus influenzae Serotype B (HIB) Disease
In the past, respiratory infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae Serotype B was a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among infants in the U.S. Now, a successful vaccination program has all but eliminated this organism
as a cause of severe disease.
Powerpoint Slides | Laboratory | Web Links
Hansen's Disease (Leprosy)
See also Mycobacterium leprae. Hansen's Disease, another name for leprosy, is an ancient affliction of humans. Disease is characterized by skin lesions and nerve deterioration.
Although treatable with antibiotics, social stigma is a continuing problem and confinement of patients in specialized facilities known as sanitoriums was once common. Fortunately, the worldwide incidence of leprosy is
declining and certain endemics areas have over 90% of active cases.
Go to Mycobacterium leprae
Helicobacter pylori
This bacterial agent is associated with gastric ulcers and the potential for gastric cancer due to chronic infection. It is an important pathogen in terms of its widespread distribution, and is increasingly recognized as a
contributing factor in chronic gastritis of many kinds.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Hepatitis Viruses
Hepatitis is a disease of the liver. It is characterized by elevations in liver enzymes and signs like jaundice (yellow skin) and icterus (yellow sclera of the eye). It can be caused by a number of viral agents and even a few
bacteria, but the main viruses are the Hepatitis viruses listed below.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Histoplasmosis Histoplasma capsulatum is the fungal agent that causes histoplasmosis. It is a systemic agent, a dimorphic fungus that causes an initial respiratory infection and sometimes cutaneous infections can result from
exposure. The endemic region for the U.S. is the Ohio and Mississippi River valley areas.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Host-Parasite Relationships
The relationship between a human and the microbes that occupy various niches is explored in this series of slides. A delicate balance is maintained that ensures the health of the human host. When injury or concurrent
illness upsets the normal status quo, the micro-organisms gain the upper hand, and infectious disease results. Lecture Notes | Web Links
Influenza Viruses
Seasonal influenza is caused by a segmented RNA virus that is constantly changing, the influenza A virus. In any given year, the general popuation can be exposed to a strain of influenza virus to which very few people has immunity. There
are many factors that contribute to the concerns caused by this common infectious agent. Influenza B and influenza C viruses are also included.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Intracellular Pathogens and Th1 versus Th2 Response
Many of the pathogens that are engulfed by macrophages have two patterns for infection depending upon the immune status of the host. Patients with intact cell-mediated immunity generally have milder, more contained
disease presentations. Immunocompromised patients have special problems due to the nature of the immune response.
Lecture Notes | Web Links
Introduction to Bacteriology
See Basic Bacteriology, linked below.
Lecture Notes
Introduction to Microbiology
The fundamentals of microbiology include the four groups of infectious agents, and background for epidemiology.
Powerpoint Slides | Lecture Notes
Japanese Encephalitis Virus
Among the viruses transmitted by arthropods and capable of causing encephalitis or brain tissue inflammation, the Japanese Encephalitis virus causes disease mainly
in Asia.
Web Links
JC Virus (Polyomavirus)
The JC and BK viruses are the main agents in the group polyomavirus, which along with papillomaviruses constitute the Papovaviridae family. Most noteworthy is
the type of infection the can occur in immunocompromised patients, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
Web Links
Legionellosis:
Legionnaires' Disease and Pontiac Fever caused by Legionella pneumophila
Legionnaires' Disease is cause by the bacterial agent Legionella pneumophila, a pathogen that is transmitted through contact with warm,
moist aerosols, like those found in spas or hot tubs. The bacteria are found in the environment, and most infections are associated with old water sources,
such as those found in hotels or hospitals.
Lecture | Web Links
Leprosy
See also Mycobacterium leprae. Leprosy, also known as Hansen's Disease, is an ancient affliction of humans. Disease is characterized by skin lesions and nerve deterioration.
Although treatable with antibiotics, social stigma is a continuing problem and confinement of patients in specialized facilities known as sanitoriums was once common. Fortunately, the worldwide incidence of leprosy is
declining and certain endemics areas have over 90% of active cases.
Go to Mycobacterium leprae
Lyme Disease
This disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the bite of the Ixodes tick. More information can be found at the link below.
Go to Borrelia burgdorferi
Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterial agent Neisseria meningitidis. Most commonly presenting as meningitis (an infection of the spinal fluid and brain), the disease can become
disseminated and cause widespread tissue destruction, especially in infants and young children. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency.
Go to Neisseria meningitidis
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Complex and Non-TB Mycobacteria Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare causes mainly respiratory infections in the U.S. and is especially associated with disease among immunocompromised patients. Other Mycobacteria are responsible for
respiratory infections that resemble TB as well as skin diseases.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Mycobacterium leprae
This mycobacterial agent causes the ancient disease leprosy (Hansen's Disease). Leprosy was described in the Bible and is characterized by skin lesions and nerve deterioration. It is treatable with antibiotics,
but social stigma is a continuing problem. Fortunately, incidence of leprosy is declining worldwide.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
This pathogen is the agent of tuberculosis, mainly a respiratory infection in the U.S. Worldwide, a multiple drug-resistant form of tuberculosis, XDR, is a problem that is on the rise.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Mycosis, Systemic Infections
The systemic infections caused by fungi are mainly respiratory tract infections with fever, cough, malaise, and headache representing the initial symptoms. Many people who live in endemic areas
will have an exposure and mild respiratory syndrome, then recover completely. However, chronic infection is a potential problem, especially for patients who have underlying disease.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Mycoplasmas
The majority of infections caused by the mycoplasmas are upper respiratory tract infections with fever, cough, malaise, and headache (Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common bacterial agent in the group).
These organisms are at the limit of detection with light microscopy and have no cell wall (they also have cholesterol in the cell membrane, another unique feature). Some mycoplasmas cause urinary tract infection, including
non-gonococcal urethritis (Ureaplasma urealyticum is the infectious agent).
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
One of the most common sexually transmitted infections, gonorrhoeae is a disease that is associated with urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ocular infections. The CDC maintains a website with a large amount
of information specifically addressing the diseases in this group.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Neisseria meningitidis Neisseria meningitidis remains is an important pathogen that causes the disease meningitis, especially within specific patient populations.
Bacterial meningitis can be caused by a number of different species; however, meningitis and meningococcemia caused by Neisseria meningitidis
is prominent among these agents because routine vaccination is not required in the U.S.
Powerpoint Slides | Laboratory |
Web Links
Nematodes
The nematodes are helminth paratsites, the roundworms. In the U.S., many of these are gastrointestinal worms, but worldwide, the microscopic worms known as
microfilaria cause disfiguring disease due to the blockage of lymphatic drainage.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Nocardia asteroides and Nocardiosis
Most U.S. cases of nocardiosis are caused by Nocardia asteroides, and disease is an invasive pulmonary infection, disseminated disease or brain abscess. Approximately 10% of the cases are fatal and many of
those infected are immunocompromised.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Nontuberculosis Mycobacterium Species Mycobacterium species that live in soil and water reservois cause respiratory disease and skin infections, especially associated with the elderly, those with underlying pulmonary disease,
and the immunocompromised. Many of the infections resemble either tuberculosis or leprosy in their clinical presentation.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Onchocerca volvulus
River blindness is the disease caused by infection with Onchocerca volvulus, a microfilarial nematode found in tropical regions of Asia and Africa.
Lecture Outlines | Web Links
Orthomyxoviruses
The family Orthomyxoviridae include influenza viruses, type A, type B and type C; information is linked below.
See Influenza Virus.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone or bone marrow. Disease is usually caused by pyogenic bacteria (like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus
species) or mycobacteria, but many other pathogens can also cause this type of infection. The disease is usually classified on the basis of the pathogen
involved, the route of infection, location of the infection and the duration of disease.
Spinal Infection Case Reports | Web Links
Otitis media
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that can be caused by a number of bacteria, but Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus inflenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis are the most
common. It is estimated that about half of all children will experience a middle ear infection before their first birthday.
Otitis Media Case Reports | Web Links
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
South American blastomycosis is an infection caused by a fungal agent that is confined to one geographical area. Disease can cause disfiguring
changes in skin and cartilage.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Paramyxovirus
The Paramyxovirus group contains the measles and mumps virus, RSV and parainfluenza viruses. These are basically viruses that cause a variety of respiratory syndromes.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Parasitology, Blood and Tissue Protozoans
The protozoan parasites are a single-celled eukaryotic pathogens that are generally transmitted by biting insects, or through blood transfusion. Many of these diseases are
common in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Toxoplasmosis is a disease transmitted through ingestion of A few are associated with oocytes, and is considered
a tissue protozoan, though infection is carried through the bloodstream.
Lecture Outline | Web Links
Parasitology, Protozoans that Infect the Gastrointestinal Tract
Protozoans that cause gastrointestinal infection are transmitted through contaminated food or water to humans. The source is an oocyte or spore of the
pathogen that is ingested accidentally and causes diarrhea, stomach cramping and sometimes, vomiting.
Lecture Outline | Web Links
Pneumocystis jirovecii (carinii) The fungal agent is a common cause of respiratory infection that can be dangerous for individuals who are immunocompromised due to disease or therapy.
Lecture | Web Links
Pertussis
Pertussis is the disease caused by the bacterial agent Bordetella pertussis and is associated with a characteristic "whooping" cough.
More information can be found at the link below.
See Bordetella pertussis.
Picornaviridae
Members of the family Picornaviridae can cause respiratory infections (Rhinovirus) and gastrointestinal infections (Enteroviruses) as well as paralytic
disease (Poliovirus). This diverse group is among the smallest of the viruses.
Powerpoint Slides
Proteus species
This bacterial species belows to the family Enterbacteriacae and is associated with urinary tract infections.
A notable laboratory characteristic is "swarming motility" on solid agar culture.
Powerpoint Slides
Pseudomonas aeruginosa roteus species
This bacterial species is considered an opportunistic pathogen and is a big problem in hospital environments. It is a gram-negative rod, an
obligate aerobe that contrasts well with the members of the family Enterbacteriacae, which are facultative anaerobes.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Q-Fever Coxiella burnetii is the bacterial agent that causes Q-fever, a respiratory infection associated with exposure to infected herd animals, usually sheep.
Lecture | Web Links
Respiratory Viruses
Every winter, most people experience a bout with respiratory virus infection. For children, it's more like half a dozen bouts. Rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus
and influenza, to name a few, all can cause respiratory syndromes.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Rickettsial Diseases
The diseases caused by the bacteria in the genus Rickettsia are similar in that the are associated with a triad of rash, fever and history of arthropod bite. Rocky
Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is the most serious of the rickettsial diseases in the U.S.
Lecture | Web Links
Rotavirus
The most common viral gastroenteritis in children of preschool age is caused by rotavirus. In developing countries, where clean water and electrolyte replacement therapy are
not readily available, the disease can be deadly.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Samples, Patient
Collecting the appropriate sample is very important, and it is the first step in identifying bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic causes of patient disease. Learn more about collecting patient samples
for all types of laboratory identification methods.
Laboratory
Salmonellosis
Outbreaks of foodborne disease associated with one of the hundreds of species of Salmonella are increasingly common, even in the industrialized world. Peanut butter,
chicken, even dried cereals have been in the news over the past year because of contamination and patient illness. This gram-negative bacterial agent is hard to avoid.
Lecture | Web Links
Shigellosis Shigella sonnei causes most of the shigellosis or bacillary dysentery, in the U.S. Worldwide, other species are more prominent. Contaminated water is the most common
source of infection, and children who attend daycare are particularly susceptible.
Lecture | Web Links
Sporotrichosis
Also known as "Rose Grower's Disease", infections caused by Sporothrix schenckii usually start from exposure to wood, straw, vegetation of some kind that allows an
infection to start through a small cut or puncture wound.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Staphylococcus aureus
This gram-positive coccus caused diseases ranging from skin infection to gastrointestinal disease, pneumonia, and Toxic Shock Syndrome. Learn more
about the many toxins and enzymes produced by this common skin micro-organism.
Lecture | Laboratory | Web Links
Streptococcus pyogenes (Also, Group A Streptococcal Disease)
Strep throat, Scarlet Fever, Rheumatic Fever, Necrotizing Fasciitis: all these and more diseases can be caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Click on the links below for more information.
Powerpoint Slides | Laboratory | Web Links
Trachoma
Caused by certain serotypes of the bacterial agent, Chlamydia trachomatis, trachoma is an ocular disease that is responsible for more than 6 million cases of blindness worldwide every year,
according to the World Health Organization. In the U.S., other chlamydial diseases are more common.
Lecture | Web Links
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is mainly a respiratory infection in the U.S. and occurs at a fairly low incidence. Worldwide, a multiple drug-resistant form of tuberculosis, XDR, is a problem that is on the rise. The disease can spread to
bone and internal organs, as well as manifesting as a skin disease. It is especially a problem among immunocompromised patients.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Typhoid Fever
This disease is no longer common in industrialized countries. It is caused by Salmonella typhi, an exclusively human pathogen.
LectureWeb Links
Urinary Tract Infections
The most common pathogen causing urinary tract infection (UTI) is E. coli. Other members of the family Enterbacteriacae as well as skin microflora like
Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus can also cause UTI.
Lecture
Vibrio cholerae
Cholera is the disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, a comma-shaped gram-negative bacterium. Pandemic disease caused by contaminated water is found where purification methods fail and overcrowding makes
human-to-human transmission a problem.
Lecture | Web Links
Vibrio parahaemolyticus Vibrio parahaemolyticus is one of several species of Vibrio that cause non-cholera gastrointestinal disease. Associated with coastal regions, this pathogen causes diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
Powerpoint Slides | Web Links
Vibrio vulnificus
Gastrointestinal disease caused by eating raw oysters may be due to Vibrio vulnificus infection. The comma-shaped bacteria can also cause wound contamination and was responsible for infections during
the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
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Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is also called aseptic meningitis, mainly to distinguish it from bacterial meningitis. Unlike the disease caused by bacterial agents,
viral meningits typically runs its course without complications, although an increased risk of seizures can be problematic in young children.
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X-ray images of patients with infectious diseases.
Diagnostic radiology is a mainstay for characterizing infections in patient who show signs and symptoms of suspected diseases. Chest X-ray for pneumonia is particularly important.
Laboratory
Yersinia enterocolitica
Yersinosis is a disease characterized by fever, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. It mainly affects children, and is caused by eating contaminated or undercooked pork.
Lecture | Web Links
Yersinia pestis
The bubonic plague is caused by this gram-negative bacterial agent that is a member of the same family as E. coli. Powerful enzymes contribute to the coagulation
disturbances that cause the characteristic buboes and skin discoloration.
Lecture | Web Links
Zoonotic Diseases, Bacterial, Gram-Negative
The gram-negative bacterial agents of diseases that are transmitted through animal host sources to humans are many.
Listed here are both opportunistic and occasional agents of human disease.
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Zoonotic Diseases, Bacterial, Gram-Positive
The gram-positive bacterial agents of diseases that are transmitted through animal host sources to humans include anthrax and listeriosis.
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E-mail Dr. Johnson for comments or suggestions.
johnsomt AT iupui.edu
E-mail Dr. Johnson
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