DAVAO MEDICAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION INC.

COLLEGE OF NURSING
MICROBIOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY
ACTIVITY 3
MICROBIAL DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

CASE: 1
Maureen, a 45 years old woman, started to feel a very severe headache and a stiff neck. She is confined at the hospital. Later during the day, her test result came. She acquired
bacterial meningitis.

a.Describe the signs and symptoms of the disease

- Signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis typically include severe headache, stiff neck (also known as nuchal rigidity), high fever, sensitivity to light
(photophobia), confusion or altered mental status, nausea, vomiting, and possibly seizures.
b. Trace the pathophysiology of the disease
- The penetration of germs into the meninges, the membranes that coat the brain and spinal cord, is a key component in the pathogenesis of bacterial meningitis. An
inflammatory reaction is set off by this invasion, which results in edema, increased blood-brain barrier permeability, and the recruitment of immune cells. Toxins released by the
bacteria lead to tissue damage and increased inflammation.
c. Causation of the disease
- Bacterial meningitis is commonly caused by numerous bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae
type B. These bacteria are usually transmitted via respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected patients' respiratory secretions.
d.. Prevention
- Bacterial meningitis can be prevented with immunization, particularly against the most prevalent causal agents. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccination,
meningococcal conjugate vaccine, and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine are all effective at preventing bacterial meningitis caused by these specific pathogens.
Furthermore, adopting proper hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding direct contact with sick people, can help lower the chance of infection.
e. Treatment
- Bacterial meningitis is normally treated with hospitalization and the use of intravenous antibiotics to target the specific bacterial infections that cause the infection.
Corticosteroids may also be administered to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. To help control complications and enhance recovery, supportive care like as fluids and
pain treatment may be used. Early detection and treatment are critical for avoiding severe consequences and improving results.
CASE: 2

Poliomyelitis infection

a.Description of the disease

- Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects the nervous system, leading to
muscle weakness or paralysis, particularly in the limbs. In severe cases, polio can cause respiratory paralysis or even death. While the majority of polio cases
are asymptomatic or result in mild flu-like symptoms, a small percentage develop into paralytic polio, which can cause permanent disability.
b. Causation of the disease
- The causative agent of polio is the poliovirus, which belongs to the genus Enterovirus within the family Picornaviridae. There are three serotypes of
poliovirus (type 1, type 2, and type 3), all of which can cause poliomyelitis. The virus primarily infects the gastrointestinal tract, but in rare cases, it can invade the
nervous system, leading to neurological complications.
c. Mode of transmission
- Poliovirus is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food, water, or surfaces. It can also be spread through respiratory
droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices contribute to the spread of the virus, particularly in areas with
inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
d. Prevention
- Prevention of poliomyelitis primarily involves vaccination. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) are both effective in preventing
polio. Routine immunization with multiple doses of polio vaccine is recommended to establish immunity and protect against infection. Additionally, maintaining
good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and proper sanitation, can help prevent the spread of the virus.
e. Treatment
- There is no specific treatment for poliovirus infection once symptoms develop. Supportive care is provided to manage symptoms and complications. This may
include rest, pain relief medications, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, respiratory support. Vaccination remains the most effective strategy for preventing polio,
as there is no cure for the disease once it occurs. Early detection and intervention can help minimize the risk of complications and improve outcomes for individuals
affected by polio.
 A. Choose 2(two) disease in the Respiratory Tract
B. Complete the Table Below (Fill in the Answers appropriately)
Disease Description of the disease
1. Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection that causes
inflammation of the air sacs in one or
both lungs, leading to the accumulation
of fluid or pus. It can be caused by
bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other
microorganisms. Symptoms typically
include cough, fever, difficulty breathing,
chest pain, and fatigue. Treatment usually
involves antibiotics for bacterial
pneumonia and supportive care to relieve
symptoms. Severe cases may require
hospitalization and oxygen therapy.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition
characterized by inflammation and
narrowing of the airways, leading to
1. Asthma recurrent episodes of wheezing,
coughing, chest tightness, and shortness
of breath. Triggers such as allergens,
exercise, and environmental factors can
exacerbate symptoms. Treatment typically
involves medications to control
inflammation and bronchodilators to
relieve symptoms during flare-ups.
Causation of the disease
Pneumonia can be caused by a variety
of infectious agents, including
bacteria, viruses, fungi, and sometimes
parasites. The most common causative
agents of bacterial pneumonia are
Streptococcus pneumoniae,
Haemophilus influenzae, and
Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
The exact cause of asthma is not fully
understood, but it is believed to
involve a combination of genetic
predisposition and environmental
factors. Common triggers include
allergens (such as pollen, dust mites,
and pet dander), respiratory
infections, air pollution, tobacco
smoke, and certain medications.
Mode of transmission
Pneumonia is typically transmitted
through respiratory droplets when
an infected person coughs or
sneezes. It can also spread by
touching surfaces contaminated
with respiratory secretions and
then touching the face, mouth, or
nose
Asthma is not a contagious disease
and therefore cannot be
transmitted from person to person
like infectious illnesses. Instead,
asthma is a chronic respiratory
condition that typically develops
due to a combination of genetic
predisposition and environmental
factors
Prevention
Preventive measures for
pneumonia include
vaccination against
common bacterial and
viral pathogens such as
Streptococcus
pneumoniae,
Haemophilus influenzae
type b, and influenza
viruses. Practicing good
hygiene, such as frequent
handwashing, avoiding
close contact with sick
individual.
Preventive measures for
asthma focus on
minimizing exposure to
triggers and managing
symptoms effectively.
This includes avoiding
known allergens and
irritants such as pollen,
dust mites, pet dander,
tobacco smoke, and air
pollution.