Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogen that can cause Cryptococcal meningitis. Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus that can be found in soil contaminated with bird feces. It can also be found in fruits, milk, plants and in human feces (Davis, 2011). This type of fungus produces airborne spores into the environment. These spores can then be inhaled by humans. This is the only means by which an individual can become infected with cryptococcosis. Cryptococcosis is not a contagious disease. Therefore, it cannot be transmitted from one person to another. Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic pathogen. Once an individual inhales these spores, they can become infected and develop what is known as Cryptococcal meningitis. However, not everyone develops cryptococcal meningitis. For the most part, when healthy individuals inhale these spores they usually don’t get infected with cryptococcosis. On the other hand, individuals with an immunodeficiency due to an illness like HIV or AIDS, are highly susceptible to cryptococcosis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cryptococcosis is one of the common causes of deaths for people who are infected with HIV or AIDS. This infection is very prominent especially in poor countries where treatment and prevention of cryptococcosis is unattainable. One example, is in sub-Saharan Africa, where one third to over one half of the people infected with HIV/AIDS die due to Cryptoccoccal meningitis (CDC, 2012).
What are the symptoms of Cryptococcal meningitis? The symptoms of Cryptococcal meningitis depends on the individual. Some people will inhale these spores and develop a lung infection without symptoms. However, some individuals will get a lung infection and will experience res...
... middle of paper ...
...hen there is a delay in detecting cryptococcosis in patients with an immunodeficiency this puts the patients at risk of becoming infected with Cryptococcal meningitis. Therefore, in my opinion the LFA is an excellent method for preventing and detecting Cryptococcal meningitis. Since it is an easy test to perform and can detect the CrAg fast enough to treat patients who are infected. This is especially beneficial for patients with an immunodeficiency due to HIV/AIDS because the infection can be detected early enough and can save the patient’s life. Hopefully, this test will be able to reduce the amount of people who die due to Cryptococcal meningitis. It is very important that these laboratory tests are done effectively and efficiently to avoid any errors in misdiagnosing since Cyrptococcal meningitis can be fatal to anyone who becomes infected with cryptococcosis.
...d rectal thermometers and transmission by hands after touching IV or urinary catheters. Enterococci can be intrinsic and can tolerate or resist beta-lactam antibiotics due to containing penicillin-binding proteins. That means they are still able to combine cell wall components. There can be acquired resistance of Enterococci that comprises of resistance to penicillin by beta-lactamases, chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, rifampin, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and vancomycin. There is a potential for cell-wall synthesis because the genes that encrypt intrinsic or acquired vancomycin resistance produce in a peptide to which vancomycin cannot connect. Unfortunately, due to the resistance of penicillin, Enterococci can be inhibited but cannot be killed. Health care professionals are left with limited therapeutic therapy that can be effective in the treatment of VRE.
Trabelsi, H., Dendana, F., Sellami, A., Sellami, H., Cheikhrouhou, F., Neji, S., … Ayadi, A. (2012). Pathogenic
Candida albicans is a harmless commensal yeast which becomes pathogenic when environmental changes trigger the virulence factors of the organism. Hence Candida species are opportunistic pathogens in susceptible individuals. Oral infection caused by C. albicans known as oral candidiasis or candidosis. However, C. albicans exist in the mouths of 80% of healthy individuals. Any alteration in the environment of oral cavity can change the presence of candida from commensal to pathogenic. This translation in the status of candida is due to many predisposing factors. In the past, oral candidiasis was thought to affect mainly elderly and very young population. Recently, the incidence of oral candidiasis increased greatly with the intensification of HIV infection and immunosuppressive chemotherapy (1, 2). Oral candidiasis colonize 5% to 7% of newborn less than one month old. The infection also estimated to affect 9% to 31% of AIDS patients and nearly 20% of cancer patients (3). This review discuss the possible causes, the types of oral candidiasis, treatment and management strategies.
been previously touched by an infected person, will transmit the disease to the healthy person who
Enterococcus faecalis species is known to be the most common of Enterococci. Enterococcus faecalis is a gram positive bacteria. It is Non-Acid Fast. There are no endospores, but capsules are present. Enterococcus faecalis or Enterococci live within our GI tract, they also can be found in the mouth and vagina. They normally live inside our intestines without problems, the problem occurs when Enterococcus faecalis leaves our intestines, it can create an infection in the blood, urine, or in wounds. E. faecalis can cause a problem in people with a lowered immune system because they are more infection prone for example cancer patients, people on dialysis, people who have HIV or AIDS, transplant patients, etc. Interesting note about E. faecalis is
Pathogens are a type of microorganism that spreads viral and bacterial diseases. These diseases when present in human blood and body fluids are known as blood borne pathogens, and can spread from one person to another. (Worcester polytechnic institute) The most serious types of blood borne diseases are the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can cause liver damage; and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which is responsible for causing AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The blood borne pathogens can be spread when the blood or body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and amniotic fluid) of an infected individual comes into contact with mucous membranes or an open sore or cut on the skin of another person. Mucus membranes are located in the eyes, nose, mouth, and other areas as well. ("Bloodborne pathogens: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia") Two of the most common ways that pathogens are transmitted is through the exchange of fluids during sexual intercourse or by sharing infected IV needles. (Worcester polytechnic institute)
Coccidioides immitues is transmitted by airborne transmission. A human can breath in the fungi spores and if it reaches the lungs, it can cause flu like symptoms and an upper respiratory infection. The fungi are normally destroyed in the lungs, but occasionally it grows and produces lots of endospores within the cell. Then if the cell lyses and releases the endospores, the endospores can then be transported by the blood to other parts of the body. The endospores can then get into the central nervous system and in the brain where they will germinate. After they germinate, it can cause a disease where most patients experience an allergic reaction to the fungus that causes reddening off the skin referred to as desert bumps (volk 2002).
Some are found specifically in the human body and some are found in the environment and will eventually enter the human body. Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii are two pathogens that are found in the environment and will eventually enter the human body. Both pathogens are found in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America (Fungal Infections, 8). Coccidioides immitis is found in the lower, arid zone of the United States; specifically, the southwestern states like Arizona, southern California-primarily the San Joaquin Valley, and New Mexico, as well as in Central and South America (Lewis et al, 1). Coccidioides immitis is also found in the soil and is classified as an ascomycete (Lewis et al, 2). Coccidioides posadasii is found in the more central southern United States; specifically, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, as well as Mexico, Central America, and South America (Lewis et al, 2). Coccidioides posadasii is also found in soil and classified as an ascomycete (Lewis et al, 2). Once the pathogens have grown to a point of maturity, they can infect the host. Both Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii infect humans primarily; these pathogens will also infect other mammals such as cattle and dogs (Kellner et al, 111). Infection of the host can cause many issues in large cattle populations as the cattle are eating and breathing the same things; there is really no way to stop the
In conclusion meningitis is not something to take lightly. Stay vaccinated and take preventative actions because this disease is wide spread and can be fatal.
Also, at first the microorganism was classified as a fungus because of their tendency to produce branching filaments. In order for the bacteria to cause infection there has to be a break in the mucous membranes or skin and the presence of dead tissue to invade deeper body structures. This can happen with a bite, traumatic event, or because of a puncture wound. Once it penetrates into the deeper tissue, where there is less oxygen and it thrives, it begins to create colonies creating lumps in the jaws of cattle. In some cases pyrexia and has been reported. This disease does not only affect animals but humans as well. It is not classified as zoonotic because different strains of the bacteria affect humans and
Giardiasis is a disease that is spread quickly and can be found in most places around the world: “Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection spread by eating contaminated water, or through direct contact with the organism that causes the disease, Giardia lamblia” (Turkington 1). The disease Giardiasis is caused by a parasite called Giardia lamblia. Living in the intestines in humans, overtime the parasite multiplies and continues to grow (“Giardiasis” 333). Because Giardia is mainly found on surfaces that have come in contact with human waste, the parasite lives in places such as soil and food. By the disease being easily catchable, the parasite is transmitted to another person by the contact between the two people (Vyas 1). Although the disease is most likely caught by coming in contact with someone who is exposed to giardiasis, there are other ways for one can become infected. Since the parasite can live in water, drinking water from lakes where animals have left their waste is another cause of the infection (Vyas 1). The act of eating contaminated or raw food can also lead to illness. The parasite living in the spoiled food is the reason for the sickness after consumption (Vyas 1). As stated before, direct association spreads the disease more: “It is the most frequent parasite acquired by children in daycare centers and preschools (Estrada 972). Having knowledge of the causes of giardiasis is an
Fungal infections are either opportunistic or endemic ubiquitous fungi that exist freely in the environment cause endemic fungal infections. On the other hand, opportunistic fungal infections only cause disease when the immune system degrades [1]. Opportunistic fungi are commensal with the host and a very low intrinsic virulence to cause until the immunity is altered. Some of these include: Candida species, Aspergillus species, pneumocystic jirovecii and Cyptococcus neoformans. These disseminate diseases such as: oral candidiasis (oral thrush), genito-urinary disease and ocular or sinus infections which may spread to involve the Central Nervous system [2]. Opportunistic fungal infections are mainly immunocompromised individuals such as: those with HIV, extensive surgery, haematological disorders, and those who have corticosteroids, cytotoxic and suppressive chemotherapy. As a result, their neutrophils drop to abnormal counts, a conditioning know as neutropenia. This state predisposes these patients to many opportunistic fungal infections such as: candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis and pneumocystis among others [3].
There are factors that can put people at risk for contracting this disease, for example, exposure to endemic areas such as India, Egypt, Brazil, and Angola. Although this disease is communicable, it is not highly contagious. Constant contact with the untreated may result in transmission of the disease through inhaled respiratory secretion or droplets entering an abrasion on the skin. However, droplets cannot infect the intact skin. Individuals living with the untreated are 8X more likely to develop the disease. Another risk factor may be the improper handling of wild life without safety gloves. Certain primates and 9-Banned armadillos are possible carriers of this disease, making animal to human transmission a probability. Furthermore, Mycobacterium leprae can survive in moist soil for one to two weeks.
infection (HAI) is linked to nearly 90000 deaths annually, is ranked as the fifth leading cause of
...as better ventilation, negative pressure rooms and the use of UV light for disinfection, nosocomial transmissions continue to post a problem possibly because they are iatrogenic and cases may be missed due to underdiagnosis. 16