Ch. 25 - Microbial Diseases of the Digestive System

Tortora - Microbiology: An Introduction 14th Edition

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Tortora 14th Edition

Ch. 25 - Microbial Diseases of the Digestive System

Problem 7

Chapter 25, Problem 7

Use the following choices to answer the following question:
a. Campylobacter
b. Cryptosporidium
c. Escherichia
d. Salmonella
e. Trichinella

Identification is based on the observation of oocysts in feces.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the key term 'oocysts'—these are a hardy, thick-walled stage in the life cycle of certain protozoan parasites, often found in feces and used for identification.

Step 2: Review the given choices and classify them by type: Campylobacter, Escherichia, and Salmonella are bacteria; Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite; Trichinella is a parasitic worm (helminth).

Step 3: Recall that oocysts are characteristic of protozoan parasites, not bacteria or helminths, so focus on Cryptosporidium as the likely candidate.

Step 4: Confirm that Cryptosporidium produces oocysts that can be detected in fecal samples, which is a common diagnostic method for this parasite.

Step 5: Conclude that the identification based on observation of oocysts in feces corresponds to Cryptosporidium.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oocysts and Their Role in Parasitology

Oocysts are a hardy, thick-walled stage in the life cycle of certain protozoan parasites, such as Cryptosporidium. They are shed in the feces of infected hosts and are critical for transmission. Identifying oocysts in fecal samples is a key diagnostic method for detecting infections caused by these parasites.

Differences Between Protozoan Parasites and Bacterial Pathogens

Protozoan parasites like Cryptosporidium produce oocysts, whereas bacterial pathogens such as Campylobacter, Escherichia, and Salmonella do not form oocysts. Understanding these differences helps in correctly identifying the causative agent based on diagnostic features observed in fecal samples.

Fecal Examination Techniques in Microbiology

Fecal examination involves microscopic analysis to detect pathogens or their diagnostic stages, such as oocysts, cysts, or eggs. Techniques like staining and concentration methods enhance visualization, enabling identification of specific parasites or bacteria responsible for gastrointestinal infections.

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A cholera epidemic in Peru had all of the following characteristics. Which one led to the others?

a. Eating raw fish

b. Sewage contamination of water

c. Catching fish in contaminated water

d. Vibrio in fish intestine

e. Including fish intestines with edibles

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Textbook Question

Use the following choices to answer the following question:

a. Campylobacter

b. Cryptosporidium

c. Escherichia

d. Salmonella

e. Trichinella

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Complete the following table:

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Textbook Question

Use the following choices to answer the following question:

a. Campylobacter

b. Cryptosporidium

c. Escherichia

d. Salmonella

e. Trichinella

Microscopic observation of a stool sample reveals gram-negative helical cells.

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Explain how the following diseases differ and how they are similar: giardiasis, amebic dysentery, cyclosporiasis, and cryptosporidiosis.