Ectoparasites and vector-borne diseases — Flashcards

Flashcard 1: Babesia is a group of protozoa that reside in _____

Answer: RBCs (intraerythrocytic)

Flashcard 2: Cyclospora, Cystoisospora belli, and Cryptosporidium parvum are all _____

Answer: Acid-fast

Flashcard 3: Which species of helminths migrate against portal blood flow?_____

Answer: Schistosoma spp.

Flashcard 4: Which helminth has a mature form that emerges from painful skin ulcers?_____

Answer: Dracunculus medinensis

Flashcard 5: _____ is a CNS protozoal infection caused by Trypanosoma brucei subspecies that is diagnosed by a blood smear.

Answer: African Sleeping Sickness

Flashcard 6: Hookworm larvae penetrate the skin on _____

Answer: soles of feet

Flashcard 7: How is Chagas Disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) transmitted?_____

Answer: Reduviid bug (aka the "kissing bug") feces

Flashcard 8: What other infectious organism causes symptoms similar to malaria (fever, hemolytic anemia)? _____

Answer: Babesia

Flashcard 9: What are the classic clinical and diagnostic findings associated with Trichomonas vaginalis?

Answer: Strawberry cervix, foul-smelling greenish discharge, motile trophozoites on wet mount.

Extra: Diagnosis: Wet mount showing motile pear-shaped trophozoites. Treatment: Metronidazole (treat both partners). Transmission: Sexual.

Flashcard 10: What are the clinical findings and treatment for Trichomonas vaginalis infection?

Answer: Foul-smelling, greenish vaginal discharge; strawberry cervix; motile trophozoites on wet mount. Treatment: Metronidazole (patient & partner).

Extra: Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. Key findings include: \n- Clinical: Malodorous, thin, frothy, green-yellow discharge; pruritus; dysuria. \n- Physical Exam: "Strawberry cervix" (cervical petechiae). \n- Diagnosis: High pH (>4.5), motile pear-shaped trophozoites on saline wet mount. \n- Rule: Always treat both the patient and sexual partner to prevent reinfection.