Bacterial and Viral Pathogen Profiles: Identification and Management
Pathogen Profiles: Identification and Management
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Identification
- Gram + Coccus: Oval cells arranged in pairs or short chains.
Form of Transmission
Often dwells in the pharynx or nasopharynx of healthy people. Spreads to the lungs, sinuses, ears, and meninges. It is common in children, adults living with them, and people with low levels of protective antibodies against the pneumococcus. It spreads easily from person to person through droplets of saliva. Diffusivity increases during respiratory infections, especially with coughing and increased secretions.
Demonstrations (Diseases)
Pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media, meningitis, and other manifestations such as endocarditis and arthritis.
Treatment
Penicillin. For those allergic, cephalosporin, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol are administered.
Prevention
Efficient anticapsular vaccines are used for prevention and control.
Legionella pneumophila
Identification
- A Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria.
- Lives in stagnant water with a wide temperature range.
- Growth is fueled by the presence of organic matter.
- Requires oxygen to breathe and has a flagellum for movement (scroll).
Form of Transmission
The major source of infection is the water system of large buildings, hotels, and hospitals, including humidifiers, misting machines, spas, and hot springs. Air conditioning systems are a major source of Legionella. The mode of transmission is mostly airborne. There is no contagion from drinking contaminated water, and the disease is not transmitted between people.
Demonstrations (Diseases)
Legionella can lead to pulmonary complications. Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty breathing, and sometimes diarrhea or muscle aches.
Treatment
Antibiotics (erythromycin and levofloxacin), rifampicin, and hospitalization in severe cases.
Prevention
Inspect water distribution systems, cooling towers, and air systems. Keep towers distant from areas frequented by people.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Identification
- An acid-fast bacillus (AFB); does not stain with Gram stain.
- It is straight or slightly curved, stationary, and does not generate spores.
- Stained using the Ziehl-Neelsen method.
Form of Transmission
The most common route is airborne, from person to person.
Demonstrations (Diseases)
Causes fever, malaise, headache, dry cough, fatigue, and weight loss.
Treatment
Antibiotics: Rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide.
Prevention
Isolation of the sick, correct protection for health workers (masks, gloves, gowns, etc.), and proper hygiene in hospitals.
Influenza (Flu)
Identification
- A type of RNA virus belonging to the myxovirus family, spherical in shape.
- Evolves easily.
Form of Transmission
Influenza is the causative agent of influenza infection, primarily affecting the respiratory system. It is highly contagious and airborne. The virus attacks and enters the respiratory epithelial cells in the trachea and bronchi.
Demonstrations (Diseases)
The incubation period is short, and the disease onset is sudden, with chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pain, and general malaise.
Treatment
General advice includes rest, plenty of fluid intake, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. Medications to relieve symptoms, such as paracetamol (which is antipyretic and analgesic, relieving fever and pain simultaneously), can be used. Codeine may also be used.
Prevention
Flu vaccines are composed of inactivated influenza virus. Although the vaccine is not highly effective in preventing the disease among the entire population at risk (especially the elderly), it is effective in preventing complications and death.