Textbook Question
Conjunctivitis is caused by the following agent types (select ALL that apply):
a. bacteria.
b. viruses.
c. protozoa.
d. fungi.
e. helminths.
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Ch. 17 - Skin and Eye Infections
Norman-McKay2nd EditionMicrobiology: Basic and Clinical PrinciplesISBN: 9780137661619
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Introduction to Microbiology22
- Ch. 2 - Biochemistry Basics19
- Ch. 3 - Introduction to Prokaryotic Cells17
- Ch. 4 - Introduction to Eukaryotic Cells16
- Ch. 5 - Genetics25
- Ch. 6 - Viruses and Prions12
- Ch. 7 - Fundamentals of Microbial Growth20
- Ch. 8 - Microbial Metabolism16
- Ch. 9 - Principles of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology11
- Ch. 10 - Host Microbe Interactions and Pathogenesis19
- Ch. 11 - Innate Immunity24
- Ch. 12 - Adaptive Immunity22
- Ch. 13 - Immune System Disorders15
- Ch. 14 - Biomedical Applications: Vaccines, Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Molecular Method14
- Ch. 15 - Antimicrobial Drugs18
- Ch. 16 - Respiratory System Infections16
- Ch. 17 - Skin and Eye Infections19
- Ch. 18 - Nervous System Infections12
- Ch. 19 - Digestive System Infections20
- Ch. 20 - Urinary and Reproductive System Infections10
- Ch. 21 - Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Infections15
Norman-McKay2nd EditionMicrobiology: Basic and Clinical PrinciplesISBN: 9780137661619Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 17, Problem 13
Acanthamoeba protozoa species are associated with:
a. keratitis.
b. conjunctivitis.
c. river blindness.
d. trachoma.
e. all of the above.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the organism in question. Acanthamoeba is a genus of free-living amoebae found in various environments such as soil, water, and air. It is known to cause infections in humans, particularly affecting the eyes and central nervous system.
Step 2: Review the diseases listed in the options and their common causative agents: keratitis (often caused by Acanthamoeba), conjunctivitis (commonly caused by bacteria or viruses), river blindness (caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus), and trachoma (caused by Chlamydia trachomatis).
Step 3: Identify which disease(s) are specifically associated with Acanthamoeba. Acanthamoeba is well-known for causing keratitis, especially in contact lens users, due to its ability to invade the cornea.
Step 4: Evaluate the other options to confirm if Acanthamoeba is linked to them. Since conjunctivitis, river blindness, and trachoma have different primary causative agents, Acanthamoeba is not typically associated with these conditions.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct association is with keratitis, and therefore, the answer corresponds to option a.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Acanthamoeba and Its Pathogenicity
Acanthamoeba is a genus of free-living amoebae found in soil and water. Some species are opportunistic pathogens causing infections in humans, particularly affecting the eyes and central nervous system. Understanding its pathogenic potential is key to linking it with specific diseases.
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Introduction to Pathogenic Toxins
Keratitis Caused by Acanthamoeba
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious eye infection affecting the cornea, often linked to contact lens use or exposure to contaminated water. It causes pain, redness, and potential vision loss, making it a hallmark disease associated with Acanthamoeba species.
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Differentiation from Other Eye Infections
Conjunctivitis, river blindness, and trachoma are caused by different pathogens: viruses/bacteria, Onchocerca volvulus, and Chlamydia trachomatis respectively. Recognizing these distinctions helps correctly associate Acanthamoeba specifically with keratitis.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Select the false statement about trachoma:
a. The causative agent is bacterial.
b. It is the leading cause of infectious blindness in the United States.
c. It is transmitted by unhygienic items, such as flies, fingers, and fomites.
d. Uncomplicated cases can be resolved with antibiotics.
e. Severe cases require surgery.
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Textbook Question
Select the false statement about cutaneous candidiasis:
a. The most common causative species is Candida albicans.
b. Candida albicans can be part of normal microbiota.
c. Usage of antibiotics can increase the chance of cutaneous candidiasis.
d. Changes in pH can permit overgrowth.
e. The causative agents are naturally found as mold filaments.
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Textbook Question
A frantic mother comes into your clinic because her two-year-old child has had a very high fever for two days now, with mild diarrhea and coldlike symptoms. As you consider the differential list, which is the most likely causative agent if the fever breaks and is replaced with a rash by tomorrow?
a. Human parvovirus B19
b. Hand, foot, and mouth disease
c. Roseola
d. Rubella
e. Measles
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Textbook Question
Your diabetic patient has a foot wound that has developed into serious necrosis and the recommended treatment has been sessions in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. You are explaining to him what has contributed to this condition, including the causative agent, which is:
a. Bacillus anthracis.
b. Clostridium perfringens.
c. Corynebacteria diphtheriae.
d. Streptococcus pyogenes.
e. Pseudomonas aeroginosa.
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Textbook Question
Which best describes conjunctivitis (select ALL that apply)?
a. Itchy eyes
b. Scarred cornea
c. Red eyes
d. Inverted eyelashes
e. Scarred conjunctiva
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