Microbiology

Microbiology Study Guide

transmitted through food. Major symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping in the abdomen. The disease is not fatal and can be limited by itself. In the case of severe diarrhea, fluid replacement is a possible solution. The disease does not require any antibiotic treatments, and one should handle food with care and maintain hygiene in order to prevent it. Clostridial Food Poisoning Caused by the spore forming anaerobic rod bacterium Clostridium perfringens , this infection is transmitted through contaminated meat. The organism produces a toxin that contaminates the meat. Symptoms include mild gastroenteritis and diarrhea. The infection does not require antibiotic drug therapy and is limited by itself. Another bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, is also responsible for causing Clostridial food poisoning, and is comparatively fatal, as it affects the nervous system of the affected individual. Brucellosis Brucellosis is caused by the gram-negative rod genus Brucella and includes the species of B. abortus, B. suis, B. melitensis, and B. canis. This infection is popularly known as undulant fever since the patient often experiences the alternative instances of high fever and relief. The infection is generally transmitted by contaminated meat and unpasteurized milk. The main symptoms include malaise, fever, and a feeling of chill. Brucellosis is also caused in animals and causes contagious abortion and sterility among female animals. Treatment for brucellosis is possible through the tetracycline vaccination in humans. Viral Diseases Hepatitis A This viral disease is caused by the species of the RNA virus belonging to the genre Picornaviridae . The infection is transmitted through the fecal oral passageway and major sources are contaminated water and food. Symptoms of the infection include vomiting, nausea, change in the color of urine, and jaundice; it affects the liver by damaging the tissues. Treatment of hepatitis A is possible through vaccination against the virus. It is also possible to prevent the disease by hepatitis gamma globulin therapy. Viral Gastroenteritis Viral gastroenteritis is commonly known as intestine viral infection. The infection is often caused by rotavirus, echovirus, and Norwalk agent virus and is generally transmitted through the fecal-oral route. It is also caused by the Coxsackie virus, which is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Symptoms of the infection include diarrhea and dehydration. Treatment of this infection is with antiviral drugs, though in many cases, it is not adequate. Enteroviral Infections Enteroviral infections are caused by the species Coxsackieviruses, Echoviruses, Enteroviruses, and Polioviruses . The infection is transmitted through respiratory secretions, blood, and stool. The

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