Microbiology - Diseases of the Nervous System - Quick Guides | Microbiology

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Study GuideMicrobiology–Diseases of the Nervous System1.Other Diseases of the Nervous SystemSome nervous system diseases are caused byprotozoaorunusual infectious agentsthat affectthe brain and nerves over time. These diseases often develop slowly and can be difficult to treat.1.1Sleeping Sickness (Trypanosomiasis)Sleeping sickness, also calledtrypanosomiasis, is caused by aprotozoan parasitefrom the genusTrypanosoma.African Sleeping SicknessThe African form of the disease is caused byTrypanosoma brucei. It is transmitted to humans throughthe bite of thetsetse fly.Once inside the body, the parasite infects thebloodand later spreads to thenervous system.Common symptoms include:•Headache•Extreme tiredness (lassitude)•Tremors•Poor coordination and unsteady movementsDoctors can diagnose the disease by examiningblood smears, where the parasites can be seen.Treatment is available, and commonly used drugs includepentamidineandsuramin.1.2South American Sleeping Sickness (Chagas’ Disease)The South American form of sleeping sickness is known asChagas’ disease. It is caused byTrypanosoma cruziand is transmitted bytriatomid bugs(sometimes called kissing bugs).

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Study GuideThis parasite affects:•Thenervous system•Theheart muscleIn many cases, the parasites destroy thenerve ganglia of the heart, leading toserious heartdisease, which can be life-threatening.1.3Slow-Developing Diseases of the Nervous SystemSome nervous system diseases developvery slowlyand are believed to be caused by infectiousagents that were difficult to identify for many years.KuruKuruis a rare disease that was observed among people in theSouth Pacific. It is called aslow virusdiseasebecause symptoms may takemore than a yearto appear.Typical symptoms include:•Nervous tremors•Loss of muscle control•Progressive neurological damageOther Related DiseasesSeveral other diseases show similar slow progression, including:•Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease•Scrapie(in sheep and goats)•Bovine spongiform encephalopathy(also calledmad cow disease)These diseases are now believed to be caused byprions.PrionsPrionsare unusual infectious agents made only ofprotein. Unlike bacteria and viruses:•Theydo not contain nucleic acids(DNA or RNA)•They damage the nervous system by causing normal brain proteins to fold incorrectlyPrion diseases lead to severe brain damage and are usuallyfatal.

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Study Guide2.Bacterial Diseases of the Nervous SystemDiseases that affect thenervous systemare often very serious. This is because thebrain, spinalcord, and nervescontrol vital body functions. Even small damage can have major effects.Infections may occur:•Directly in nervous tissue•Or in themeninges, the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cordDoctors often diagnose nervous system infections by examining thecerebrospinal fluid (CSF).Treatment is challenging because antibiotics must be able tocross the blood–brain barrierto reachthe infected area.2.1Meningococcal MeningitisMeningococcal meningitisis caused by the Gram-negative diplococcusNeisseria meningitidis,also known as themeningococcus.Key points:•Spread throughrespiratory droplets•Often lives harmlessly in thenasopharynx•Disease symptoms are mainly due toendotoxinsCommon symptoms include:•Severe headache•Fever and chills•Blue-black skin spots•Stiff neck•Possible seizuresCSF examination revealsGram-negative diplococci.In some cases, theadrenal glandsare affected, leading toWaterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome.This condition requiresrapid and aggressive treatment, usually withpenicillin and otherantibiotics.

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