MICROM 442 Final: ZOONOTIC INFECTIONS I
Document Summary
Definition- infections transmitted between humans and other vertebrate animals. Humans are not necessary for transmission of zoonoses in nature. Infection in other animal hosts is sometimes asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. Many of the emerging and most virulent infections of humans, as well as the most serious bioterrorism threats, are zoonotic. Modes of acquisition: cutaneous contact with animal tissue or body fluids (including bites, arthropod vector, inhalation, ingestion. Individuals at increased risk: farmers, hunters/trappers/fishermen, abattoir (slaughterhouse) workers, veterinarians/laboratory personnel, pet owners. Historical factors influencing zoonotic infections: transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agrarian societies domestication of animals increased population density modification of the environment . Plague: caused by yersinia pestis, facultative bipolar-staining gram-negative enteric bacillus, evolved from less pathogenic yersinia spp. Septicemic, pneumonic: diagnosis- wayson/giemsa/gram stains of bubo (swollen lymph node) aspirate, bubo/blood/sputum culture with confirmation by fluorescent antibody, serology, maldi-tof ms (matrix-assisted laser.
