NTRUHS 2K23 MICROBIOLOGY - CHEAT SHEET
PAPER 1 - HIGH YIELD ANSWERS
⭐ Q1. HIV/AIDS (Q7)
Structure: Enveloped, ss-RNA retrovirus. Icosahedral core.
- Structural genes: gag (p24 core), pol (RT, integrase, protease), env (gp120, gp41)
- Non-structural genes: tat, rev, nef, vif, vpr, vpu
Pathogenesis: HIV binds CD4 + CCR5/CXCR4 -> enters T-helper cell -> RT makes proviral DNA -> integrates -> replication -> CD4 count falls -> AIDS (<200 cells/µL)
Lab Diagnosis:
- ELISA (screening) -> Western Blot (confirmation)
- CD4 count, Viral load (PCR)
- NACO algorithm: 3 rapid tests (A1, A2, A3)
ART: TDF + 3TC + EFV (first line)
PEP: Start within 72 hrs, give for 28 days
Opportunistic fungal infections: Candidiasis (most common), Cryptococcal meningitis, PCP (Pneumocystis jirovecii), Histoplasmosis, Aspergillosis
⭐ Q2. Typhoid Fever (Q6)
Agent: Salmonella typhi (Gram -ve rod)
Pathogenesis: Feco-oral -> Peyer's patches -> bacteremia -> rose spots, hepatosplenomegaly
Widal Test:
- Positive: O titer ≥1:80, H titer ≥1:160 (single); O ≥1:160 (paired)
- O = active infection, H = past infection/vaccination
Lab Diagnosis: Gold standard = Blood culture (1st week), Urine/stool culture (3rd week), Bone marrow culture (most sensitive)
Treatment: Ciprofloxacin / Azithromycin / Ceftriaxone
Vaccine: Vi polysaccharide (injectable), Ty21a (oral live attenuated)
Drug Resistance: MDR typhoid - resistant to Amp, Chloramphenicol, Co-trimoxazole. XDR - also resistant to fluoroquinolones
⭐ Q3. Hypersensitivity Reactions (Q4)
| Type | Name | Mediator | Example |
|---|
| I | Anaphylactic/Immediate | IgE, Mast cells | Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Urticaria |
| II | Cytotoxic | IgG/IgM + Complement | ABO incompatibility, Autoimmune hemolytic anemia |
| III | Immune Complex | IgG complexes + Complement | SLE, Serum sickness, Post-strep GN |
| IV | Delayed (Cell mediated) | T lymphocytes | TB (Mantoux), Contact dermatitis, Graft rejection |
Shwartzman Reaction: Two injections of endotoxin (preparatory + provocative) -> local (skin) or generalized (DIC, bilateral cortical necrosis)
⭐ Q4. Autoimmunity + SLE (Q1)
Mechanisms of Autoimmunity:
- Molecular mimicry (pathogen resembles self Ag)
- Polyclonal B cell activation
- Sequestered antigen release
- Defective Treg function
- Bystander activation
SLE:
- ANA - screening test
- Anti-dsDNA - specific, correlates with disease activity
- Anti-Smith (Anti-Sm) - most specific
- Features: Butterfly rash, arthritis, nephritis, serositis, hematologic changes
- LE cells seen in peripheral smear
Classification: Organ-specific (Hashimoto's, Type 1 DM, MG) vs Systemic (SLE, RA, Sjogren's)
⭐ Q5. Malaria (Q9)
Plasmodium species: P. falciparum (malignant tertian, most dangerous), P. vivax (benign tertian), P. malariae (quartan), P. ovale
Life Cycle:
- Mosquito (Anopheles female): Sexual cycle (sporogony) -> Sporozoites
- Human: Liver (exo-erythrocytic) -> RBC (erythrocytic) -> Trophozoite -> Schizont -> Merozoites
Pathogenesis: Rupture of RBCs -> fever, chills. P. falciparum - cytoadherence, rosetting -> cerebral malaria
Lab Diagnosis:
- Peripheral smear (Giemsa stain) - Gold standard
- RDT - HRP2 antigen for P. falciparum
- PCR
Cerebral Malaria: P. falciparum only. Parasitized RBCs block cerebral capillaries. Features: Coma, seizures, mortality ~20%
Treatment: Chloroquine (sensitive), ACT - Artemether+Lumefantrine (falciparum), Primaquine (for P. vivax hypnozoites)
Vaccine: RTS,S (Mosquirix) - first approved malaria vaccine
⭐ Q6. Hepatitis Viruses (Q17)
| Virus | Type | Transmission | Chronicity | Markers |
|---|
| HAV | RNA | Feco-oral | No | Anti-HAV IgM (acute) |
| HBV | DNA | Blood/sexual/vertical | Yes (5-10%) | HBsAg, HBeAg, Anti-HBc IgM |
| HCV | RNA | Blood | Yes (80%) | Anti-HCV, PCR |
| HDV | RNA (incomplete) | Blood (needs HBV) | Yes | Anti-HDV |
| HEV | RNA | Feco-oral | No | Anti-HEV IgM |
HBV Markers:
- HBsAg: First to appear, marker of infection
- HBeAg: Active replication, high infectivity
- Anti-HBs: Immunity (natural or vaccine)
- Anti-HBc IgM: Acute infection
- Window period: HBsAg gone, Anti-HBs not yet - only Anti-HBc IgM present
Prophylaxis HBV: Vaccine (3 doses: 0, 1, 6 months) + HBIG for post-exposure
⭐ Q7. Sterilization & Disinfection (Q5)
Sterilization: Complete destruction of ALL microorganisms including spores.
Moist Heat (most reliable):
- Autoclave: 121°C, 15 psi, 15 min (kills spores)
- Pasteurization: 62°C/30 min (LTLT) or 72°C/15 sec (HTST)
- Boiling: 100°C, 20 min (NOT sterilization - doesn't kill spores)
Dry Heat:
- Hot air oven: 160°C/60 min, 170°C/30 min, 180°C/10 min
High Level Disinfectants: Glutaraldehyde 2% (Cidex), Hydrogen peroxide 6%, Formaldehyde, OPA (Ortho-phthalaldehyde)
Gaseous Disinfectants: Ethylene oxide (ETO) - heat-sensitive items; Formaldehyde vapor
Chemical Disinfectants: Phenol (carbolic acid, first antiseptic), Alcohol 70%, Chlorine compounds (hypochlorite), Povidone-iodine
⭐ Q8. ELISA (Q3)
Principle: Antigen-antibody reaction detected by enzyme-linked antibody producing color change.
Types:
- Direct ELISA - detect antigen
- Indirect ELISA - detect antibody (most common in serology)
- Sandwich ELISA - most sensitive, detect antigen
- Competitive ELISA
Enzymes used: HRP (Horseradish peroxidase), Alkaline phosphatase
Uses: HIV screening, HBsAg, Dengue NS1, TORCH screening
⭐ Q9. Dengue (Q8)
Agent: Flavivirus, ss RNA, 4 serotypes (DEN 1-4), Aedes aegypti mosquito
Pathogenesis: Secondary infection with different serotype -> Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE) -> more severe disease (DHF/DSS)
Clinical Features: High fever, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, rash, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage
Lab Diagnosis:
- NS1 antigen (day 1-5) - early marker
- IgM (from day 5 onwards)
- IgG (secondary infection marker)
- PCR - most sensitive early
Tourniquet Test (Rumpel-Leede): Positive = >20 petechiae per sq inch
⭐ Q10. Agglutination Reactions + Monoclonal Antibodies (Q2)
Agglutination: Clumping of particulate antigens by antibodies.
- Direct: Widal, ABO blood grouping, Cold agglutinins (Mycoplasma)
- Indirect (passive): Latex agglutination (CRP, RF, Cryptococcal Ag)
- Coombs test: Direct (sensitized RBCs) vs Indirect (detect IgG antibodies in serum)
Monoclonal Antibodies: Produced by hybridoma technology (B cell + myeloma cell = hybridoma)
- Uses: Diagnostic (pregnancy tests, tumor markers) and Therapeutic (Infliximab, Rituximab, Trastuzumab)
⭐ Q11. Drug Resistance in Bacteria (Q21)
Genetic Mechanisms:
- Chromosomal mutation (spontaneous)
- Plasmid/R-factor mediated (most common clinically)
- Transposons (jumping genes)
- Transfer by: Conjugation (main route), Transformation, Transduction
Mechanisms of Resistance:
- Enzyme inactivation - beta-lactamase destroys penicillin
- Altered target site - MRSA (altered PBP2a)
- Efflux pumps
- Reduced permeability (porin channel changes)
- Bypass pathway
MRSA: mecA gene encodes PBP2a (low affinity for all beta-lactams). Treatment: Vancomycin / Linezolid
⭐ Q12. Entamoeba histolytica (Q12)
Agent: Trophozoite (10-60 µm, ingested RBCs - pathognomonic) and cyst (4 nuclei)
Transmission: Feco-oral
Pathogenesis: Cyst ingested -> trophozoite in colon -> flask-shaped ulcers -> bloody diarrhea -> may spread to liver
Lab Diagnosis:
- Stool: Trophozoites with ingested RBCs
- Serology: ELISA (liver abscess)
Amoebic Liver Abscess: Right lobe, "anchovy sauce" aspirate, sterile. Diagnosed by serology + USG.
Treatment: Metronidazole + Diloxanide furoate (luminal cyst killer)
⭐ Q13. Diarrheagenic E. coli (Q22)
| Type | Mechanism | Disease |
|---|
| ETEC | LT + ST toxin | Traveller's diarrhea |
| EPEC | Attaches, effacing | Infantile diarrhea |
| EIEC | Invades mucosa | Dysentery-like |
| EHEC (O157:H7) | Shiga toxin (Verotoxin) | HUS, bloody diarrhea |
| EAEC | Aggregative adherence | Persistent diarrhea |
⭐ Q14. Leishmaniasis (Q10)
Forms: Kala azar (visceral - L. donovani), Cutaneous (L. tropica), Mucocutaneous (L. braziliensis)
Vector: Phlebotomus sandfly (female)
Diagnosis of Kala azar:
- Splenic aspirate - most sensitive (95%)
- Bone marrow aspirate - safer alternative
- LD bodies in macrophages
- rK39 antigen rapid test
- Aldehyde (Napier's) test - positive in kala azar
Treatment: Miltefosine (oral, 1st line), Amphotericin B, Sodium stibogluconate
⭐ Q15. Herpes Zoster / VZV (Q19, Q38)
Agent: VZV (HHV-3), DNA virus, enveloped
Primary infection: Varicella (chickenpox) - centripetal rash, crops of vesicles at different stages
Reactivation: Zoster (shingles) - dermatomal, unilateral, painful
Lab: Tzanck smear (multinucleated giant cells), DFA, PCR
Treatment: Acyclovir
Vaccine: Live attenuated varicella vaccine
⭐ Q16. Cholera (Q37)
Agent: Vibrio cholerae O1/O139, curved Gram -ve rod, darting motility
Pathogenesis: CT (Cholera toxin) -> ADP ribosylation of Gs protein -> ↑cAMP -> hypersecretion Cl-/water -> Rice water diarrhea
Lab: TCBS medium (yellow colonies), hanging drop (shooting star motility), string test positive
Treatment: ORS (primary), Doxycycline (drug of choice)
⭐ Q17. Immunoglobulins - IgM, IgG, IgA (Q33)
IgG: Most abundant (75%), crosses placenta, secondary immune response, opsonization, ADCC. 4 subclasses.
IgM: First to appear (primary response), pentamer (10 binding sites), best agglutinator, classical complement activation, CANNOT cross placenta.
IgA: Secretary immunoglobulin (sIgA), protects mucous membranes (respiratory, GI, GU). Dimeric in secretions with J chain + secretory piece. Most produced overall.
Q18. Leprosy (Q40)
Agent: M. leprae - cannot be cultured in vitro, grown in armadillo footpad
| Feature | Tuberculoid (TT) | Lepromatous (LL) |
|---|
| CMI | High | Low |
| Bacilli | Paucibacillary | Multibacillary |
| Lepromin test | Positive | Negative |
| Lesions | Few, well-defined | Multiple, diffuse |
Lab: Slit skin smear (ZN stain), Lepromin test (Mitsuda reaction), biopsy
Treatment (MDT):
- Paucibacillary: Dapsone + Rifampicin (6 months)
- Multibacillary: Rifampicin + Dapsone + Clofazimine (12 months)
Q19. Complement Pathways (Q28)
Classical: Ag-Ab complex (IgG/IgM) -> C1q -> C1r -> C1s -> C4 -> C2 -> C3 -> C5-C9 (MAC)
Alternative: Microbial surfaces (LPS, fungal wall) directly -> C3 -> Factor B, D, Properdin -> C5-C9
Lectin: MBL binds mannose -> MASP1, MASP2 -> C4, C2
Common final pathway: C5b -> C6-C9 = MAC (Membrane Attack Complex) -> cell lysis
Q20. Giardia lamblia (Q13)
Agent: Flagellate protozoa, pear-shaped trophozoite, "falling leaf" motility, 4 nuclei cyst
Transmission: Feco-oral, waterborne
Clinical: Malabsorption, steatorrhea, fatty diarrhea (NO blood/mucus)
Diagnosis: Stool (cysts), duodenal aspirate/Enterotest (string test) for trophozoites
Treatment: Metronidazole
Q21. Ascaris lumbricoides (Q16)
Largest intestinal nematode. Transmission: ingesting embryonated eggs.
Life cycle: Egg -> larvae -> intestine -> liver -> heart -> lungs (Loeffler's pneumonia) -> trachea -> swallowed -> intestine -> adult
Complications: Intestinal obstruction, biliary ascariasis, Loeffler's syndrome
Diagnosis: Stool exam (bile-stained mammillated eggs)
Treatment: Albendazole / Mebendazole
Q22. Hookworm - Clinical Case (Q24)
Infective stage: Filariform (L3) larvae - NOT eggs
Mode of infection: Skin penetration (barefoot - ground itch)
Life cycle: Skin -> blood -> lungs -> trachea -> intestine -> blood-sucking adult worms
Complications: Iron deficiency anemia (severe - Hb 5g/dl), hypoproteinemia, Loeffler's pneumonia
Diagnosis: Stool exam (thin-shelled, segmented eggs)
Q23. Leptospirosis (Q14)
Agent: Leptospira interrogans (spirochete), zoonosis (reservoir: rats)
Transmission: Contact with water/soil contaminated with animal urine (through skin abrasions)
Weil's disease: Jaundice + renal failure + hemorrhage (severe form)
Lab: Dark field microscopy (blood, week 1), MAT (Microscopic Agglutination Test - gold standard serology), ELISA
Treatment: Penicillin / Doxycycline
Q24. Taenia solium (Q15)
Definitive host: Man (adult tapeworm - taeniasis)
Intermediate host: Pig (cysticercus cellulosae in muscles)
Cysticercosis in humans: Man accidentally becomes intermediate host (ingests eggs)
Neurocysticercosis: Cysticerci in brain -> seizures, raised ICP. CT: "hole with a dot" (scolex in cyst)
Diagnosis: Stool (proglottids), CT/MRI brain, serology (ELISA)
Treatment: Praziquantel / Albendazole + Steroids (neurocysticercosis)
Q25. Filariasis (Q11)
Agent: Wuchereria bancrofti, Vector: Culex mosquito (night biting)
Life cycle: L3 larvae from bite -> lymphatics -> adult worm -> microfilariae (nocturnal periodicity) in blood
Pathogenesis: Adult worms in lymphatics -> obstruction -> elephantiasis, hydrocele, chyluria
Diagnosis: Midnight blood smear (Giemsa), Knott's concentration, ICT card test, USG (dancing filaria sign)
Treatment: DEC, Ivermectin + Albendazole (MDA program)
Q26. CMI / Immune Response (Q23)
Innate: Non-specific, immediate (skin, mucus, NK cells, complement, phagocytes)
Acquired:
- Active Natural: infection; Active Artificial: vaccination
- Passive Natural: maternal Ab/colostrum; Passive Artificial: IVIG, antitoxin
CMI:
- CD4 Th1 -> IL-2, IFN-γ -> macrophage activation -> intracellular pathogens (TB, fungi, viruses)
- CD8 CTL -> kill virus-infected cells
Assessment of CMI: Lymphocyte proliferation test, Delayed hypersensitivity skin test (Mantoux)
Q27. MRSA (Q31)
- mecA gene -> encodes PBP2a -> low affinity for ALL beta-lactams
- Resistant to: ALL penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems
- HA-MRSA (hospital) vs CA-MRSA (community)
- Treatment: Vancomycin (DOC), Linezolid, Daptomycin
- Detection: Cefoxitin disc diffusion, mecA PCR
Q28. Dermatophytes (Q25)
Organisms: Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton
Types: Tinea capitis (scalp), Tinea corporis (body), Tinea pedis (athlete's foot), Tinea unguium (nail), Tinea cruris (groin)
Diagnosis: KOH mount (branching hyphae + arthrospores), Wood's lamp (green fluorescence - Microsporum), Culture on SDA
Treatment: Topical antifungals (clotrimazole), Terbinafine, Griseofulvin (nails/scalp)
Q29. Gas Gangrene (Q45)
Agent: Clostridium perfringens type A, Gram +ve anaerobic rod, spore-forming
Alpha toxin (lecithinase/phospholipase C): Main virulence factor
Features: Gas in tissue, sweet smell, crepitus, myonecrosis, wound infection
Diagnosis: Gram stain (Gram +ve rods), X-ray (gas in tissue), anaerobic culture
Treatment: Surgical debridement (MOST important) + high dose Penicillin + Hyperbaric O2
PAPER 2 - HIGH YIELD ANSWERS
⭐ Q1. Tuberculosis (Q12)
Agent: M. tuberculosis, acid-fast bacillus (ZN stain - red on blue), slow grower
Pathogenesis: Droplet transmission -> primary complex (Ghon focus + hilar lymphadenopathy) -> healed / progressive / post-primary TB
Lab Diagnosis:
- ZN stain: AFB red on blue background
- Auramine rhodamine fluorescence: more sensitive
- Culture: LJ medium (6-8 weeks), BACTEC MGIT (2 weeks) - gold standard
- GeneXpert MTB/RIF: Detects TB + Rifampicin resistance in 2 hours - MOST IMPORTANT
- Line Probe Assay (LPA): MTBDRplus detects rpoB (R), inhA/katG (H) mutations
- Tuberculin Skin Test (Mantoux): PPD 5TU intradermal, read at 48-72 hrs, ≥10 mm = positive
Treatment (RIPE):
- Intensive phase (2 months): Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Pyrazinamide + Ethambutol
- Continuation phase (4 months): Rifampicin + Isoniazid
- MDR-TB: Resistant to R + H. XDR-TB: MDR + Fluoroquinolone + injectable drug resistance
Atypical Mycobacteria (NTM): MAC, M. kansasii, M. fortuitum, M. marinum ("fish tank granuloma"), M. ulcerans (Buruli ulcer)
⭐ Q2. Bacterial Meningitis (Q8)
Organisms by age:
- Neonates: Group B Strep, E. coli, Listeria
- Children: N. meningitidis, H. influenzae
- Adults: N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae
- Elderly: S. pneumoniae, Listeria
CSF Analysis:
| Parameter | Bacterial | Viral | TB | Fungal |
|---|
| Appearance | Turbid | Clear | Fibrin web | Clear |
| Cells | >1000 PMN | <500 Lymph | 100-500 Lymph | Lymph |
| Protein | ↑↑ | Normal/↑ | ↑↑ | ↑ |
| Glucose | ↓↓ | Normal | ↓ | ↓ |
Meningococcal Meningitis: N. meningitidis, Gram -ve diplococci. Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (bilateral adrenal hemorrhage, purpuric rash, shock)
Cryptococcal Meningitis: C. neoformans, India ink (capsule as halo), latex agglutination, mainly in HIV. Treatment: Amphotericin B + Flucytosine -> Fluconazole
TB Meningitis: Cobweb clot CSF, lymphocytes, high protein, low glucose, ADA elevated
⭐ Q3. Syphilis (Q11)
Agent: Treponema pallidum (spirochete), not culturable
Stages:
- Primary: Painless chancre (single, indurated, clean base)
- Secondary: Condylomata lata, maculopapular rash on palms & soles, highly infectious
- Latent: Serology positive, no symptoms
- Tertiary: Gumma, cardiovascular syphilis (aortitis), neurosyphilis
Lab Diagnosis:
- Direct: Dark field microscopy (primary/secondary lesions)
- Non-treponemal (screening + quantitative): VDRL, RPR
- Treponemal (confirmatory): TPHA, FTA-ABS, TPPA (remain positive for life)
RPR Test: Cardiolipin antigen + charcoal particles. Flocculation test. Biological false positive: SLE, pregnancy, malaria
Treatment: Benzathine Penicillin G (DOC for all stages)
⭐ Q4. Rabies (Q3)
Agent: Lyssavirus (Rhabdovirus), ss RNA, bullet-shaped
Transmission: Bite of infected animal (dog most common)
Pathogenesis: Virus enters peripheral nerve -> travels centripetally to CNS -> replicates -> spreads to salivary glands
Pathognomonic: Negri bodies (eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions in Purkinje cells of cerebellum / hippocampus)
Lab Diagnosis:
- Post-mortem: Negri bodies (Sellers stain), FAT (most sensitive)
- Antemortem: Skin biopsy (nape of neck), saliva, CSF - DFA/PCR
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP):
- Wound washing with soap + water for 15 min (MOST important step)
- RIG (HRIG 20 IU/kg) - infiltrate wound if not previously vaccinated
- Vaccine: 4 doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14 (PCEC or PVRV)
⭐ Q5. Streptococcus pyogenes (Q7)
Group A Strep (GAS), beta-hemolytic
Virulence factors: M protein (main, anti-phagocytic), Streptolysin S & O (SLO), Streptokinase, Hyaluronidase, Erythrogenic toxin (scarlet fever)
Diseases: Pharyngitis, Impetigo, Scarlet fever, Erysipelas, Necrotizing fasciitis
Post-streptococcal complications:
- Rheumatic fever (after pharyngitis only): Carditis, arthritis, Sydenham's chorea, erythema marginatum, subcutaneous nodules
- PSGN (after pharyngitis or skin infection): Hematuria, hypertension, edema
Lab: Blood agar (beta hemolysis), Bacitracin sensitive, ASO titer (retrospective)
⭐ Q6. Diphtheria (Q2)
Agent: Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Gram +ve rod, Chinese letter arrangement, metachromatic granules (Babes-Ernst)
Toxin: Exotoxin (coded by beta phage) - ADP-ribosylation of EF-2 (elongation factor 2) -> inhibits protein synthesis -> myocarditis, neuropathy
Disease: Grayish-white pseudomembrane (bleeds on removal), bull neck, myocarditis, palatal palsy
Lab:
- Loeffler's serum slope (metachromatic granules)
- Tellurite agar (black/gray colonies)
- Elek's gel precipitation test (toxigenicity)
Schick Test: Positive = susceptible (no antitoxin). Negative = immune.
Treatment: Diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) + Penicillin/Erythromycin
⭐ Q7. Polio Virus (Q4)
Agent: Picornavirus/Enterovirus, 3 serotypes (P1, P2, P3), feco-oral transmission
Pathogenesis: Oropharynx -> GI -> viremia -> anterior horn cells -> flaccid paralysis (LMN)
OPV vs IPV:
| Feature | OPV (Sabin) | IPV (Salk) |
|---|
| Type | Live attenuated | Killed |
| Route | Oral | Injection |
| Immunity | Mucosal IgA + Humoral | Humoral only |
| Herd immunity | Yes | No |
| Risk | VAPP (1:2.4 million) | None |
⭐ Q8. Influenza / Swine Flu (Q5)
Agent: Orthomyxovirus, ss RNA, 8 segments
Key antigens: HA (hemagglutinin - attachment), NA (neuraminidase - release)
Antigenic Shift: Major change - reassortment -> Pandemic
Antigenic Drift: Minor change - point mutations -> Seasonal epidemics
H1N1:
- Diagnosis: RT-PCR (nasopharyngeal swab)
- Treatment: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir
- Prevention: Annual influenza vaccine
⭐ Q9. Clostridium tetani (Q14)
Agent: Gram +ve anaerobe, spore-forming. Drumstick appearance (terminal spore).
Tetanospasmin: Blocks GABA and Glycine at Renshaw cells -> loss of inhibition -> spastic paralysis
Features: Trismus (lockjaw), risus sardonicus, opisthotonos
Treatment: HTIG (Human Tetanus Immunoglobulin) + Penicillin/Metronidazole + Diazepam + wound debridement
Prevention: TT vaccine (DTP schedule). Booster every 10 years.
⭐ Q10. Gonorrhea & STIs (Paper 2, Q1)
Agent: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Gram -ve diplococci (intracellular in PMNs - pathognomonic)
Other STI organisms: T. pallidum (syphilis), C. trachomatis (NGU/LGV), HSV-2, HPV, T. vaginalis, H. ducreyi (chancroid)
Complications: PID, Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (perihepatitis), ophthalmia neonatorum, DGI
Lab: Gram stain (intracellular diplococci), Culture on Thayer-Martin medium, NAAT (most sensitive)
Treatment: Ceftriaxone + Azithromycin (dual therapy)
⭐ Q11. Echinococcus granulosus (Q9)
Definitive host: Dog. Intermediate host: Sheep, cattle, humans (accidental)
Transmission: Ingesting eggs from dog feces
Site: Liver (most common), then Lung
Hydatid cyst structure: Pericyst (host) + ectocyst (laminated) + endocyst (germinal) + brood capsules + scolices + hydatid sand
Diagnosis: USG (best), CT, Casoni test (intradermal), serology (ELISA), eosinophilia
Treatment: PAIR (Puncture, Aspiration, Injection hypertonic saline, Re-aspiration) + Albendazole. Surgery if needed. NEVER blindly aspirate - risk of anaphylaxis.
Q12. Plague (Q13)
Agent: Yersinia pestis, Gram -ve bipolar "safety pin" staining (Wayson stain), zoonosis (rats)
Vector: Rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis)
Clinical Types:
- Bubonic: Bubo (painful lymphadenopathy in groin/axilla)
- Pneumonic: Most dangerous, person-to-person transmission, ~100% fatal untreated
- Septicemic: DIC, hemorrhage
Treatment: Streptomycin (DOC), Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin
Q13. Aspergillosis (Q23)
Agent: Aspergillus fumigatus (most common). Septate hyphae with 45° (acute angle) branching.
Forms:
- ABPA: Asthma + eosinophilia + fleeting shadows on X-ray
- Aspergilloma: Fungal ball in pre-existing cavity (Monod sign / air crescent sign)
- Invasive Aspergillosis: Immunocompromised (neutropenic) - most serious. CT: halo sign
- Otomycosis: External ear
Diagnosis: Culture (SDA), Galactomannan antigen, Beta-glucan, CT chest, biopsy
Treatment: Voriconazole (DOC), Amphotericin B
Q14. COVID-19 (Q15)
Agent: SARS-CoV-2, Betacoronavirus, +ss RNA, enveloped
Pathogenesis: Spike protein binds ACE2 on type II pneumocytes -> viral replication -> cytokine storm -> ARDS, hypercoagulability, multiorgan failure
Lab: RT-PCR (gold standard), Rapid Antigen Test (screening), Antibody (past infection/vaccine)
Treatment: Remdesivir, Dexamethasone (severe/hypoxemic), Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid)
Q15. Chlamydia / LGV (Q20)
C. trachomatis - obligate intracellular, no cell wall
- Serotypes A, B, Ba: Trachoma (leading cause of preventable blindness)
- Serotypes D-K: NGU, PID, neonatal conjunctivitis
- Serotypes L1, L2, L3: LGV
LGV stages: Painless papule -> painful inguinal bubo -> groove sign (lymphadenopathy above + below inguinal ligament)
Diagnosis: NAAT, serology (CFT)
Treatment: Doxycycline 100 mg BD x 21 days
Q16. Toxoplasma gondii (Q32)
Definitive host: Cat (sexual cycle). Intermediate host: All warm-blooded animals + humans
Transmission: Oocysts (cat feces), tissue cysts (undercooked meat), transplacental
Congenital Toxoplasmosis Tetrad:
- Hydrocephalus
- Chorioretinitis
- Intracranial calcifications
- Psychomotor retardation
In HIV: Ring-enhancing lesions on CT brain
Diagnosis: Serology (IgM = acute), PCR (amniotic fluid), CT brain
Treatment: Pyrimethamine + Sulfadiazine + Folinic acid
Q17. Atypical Pneumonia / Mycoplasma (Q35)
Agent: Mycoplasma pneumoniae - smallest free-living organism, NO cell wall -> NOT sensitive to beta-lactams
Features: "Walking pneumonia" - mild, insidious, community-acquired in young adults
Lab:
- Cold agglutinins (IgM against RBC I antigen) - non-specific
- Culture on Eaton's medium (requires cholesterol)
- Serology (CFT, ELISA), PCR
Treatment: Macrolides (Azithromycin), Doxycycline, Fluoroquinolones
Q18. Brucellosis (Q45)
Agent: Brucella - Gram -ve coccobacilli, zoonosis
- B. abortus (cattle), B. melitensis (goats - most virulent), B. suis (pigs)
Transmission: Unpasteurized milk/cheese, direct contact with infected animals
Lab Diagnosis:
- Blood culture: Castaneda's medium (most definitive)
- Serology: SAT titer ≥1:160 significant, Rose Bengal test (screening), ELISA
Treatment: Doxycycline + Rifampicin (6 weeks) - combination is essential to prevent relapse
Q19. Trichomonas vaginalis (Q33)
Agent: Flagellate protozoa, ONLY trophozoite form (no cyst), pear-shaped, 4 anterior flagella
Clinical: Frothy greenish-yellow foul-smelling vaginal discharge, strawberry cervix, dysuria
Lab: Wet mount (saline) - pear-shaped motile trophozoites, culture (Diamond's medium), NAAT
Treatment: Metronidazole 2g single dose - treat BOTH partners
Q20. Pertussis / Whooping Cough (Q50)
Agent: Bordetella pertussis, Gram -ve coccobacillus
Pertussis toxin: ADP-ribosylation of Gi protein -> lymphocytosis
Stages:
- Catarrhal (most contagious): cold-like symptoms
- Paroxysmal: Whooping cough (whoop on inspiration), post-tussive vomiting
- Convalescent: gradual recovery
Lab: Pernasal swab/NPA -> Bordet-Gengou medium (potato blood agar), PCR
Treatment: Azithromycin (or Erythromycin)
Vaccine: DTP/DTaP
Q21. Naegleria fowleri (Q29)
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)
Transmission: Swimming in warm freshwater (enters via cribriform plate)
Unique feature: Exists in 3 forms: Amoeboid, Flagellate (distinguishing), Cyst
Clinical: Fulminant meningoencephalitis, almost 100% fatal
Diagnosis: CSF - motile trophozoites, culture, CT brain
Treatment: Amphotericin B (rarely successful), Miltefosine (newer option)
Q22. Slow Viral Infections / Prions (Q24, Q42)
| Disease | Agent | Feature |
|---|
| Kuru | Prion | Cannibalism (Fore tribe), cerebellar ataxia |
| CJD | Prion | Rapidly progressive dementia, myoclonus |
| SSPE | Measles virus | Progressive dementia in children after measles |
| PML | JC virus | Immunocompromised patients |
Prions: PrPc (normal) -> PrPsc (misfolded, disease-causing). No nucleic acid. Resistant to heat, UV, formalin.
Q23. Oncogenic Viruses (Q36)
| Virus | Associated Cancer |
|---|
| HPV 16, 18 | Cervical carcinoma, oropharyngeal |
| EBV | Burkitt lymphoma, NPC, Hodgkin's |
| HBV + HCV | Hepatocellular carcinoma |
| HTLV-1 | Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma |
| HHV-8 (KSHV) | Kaposi sarcoma |
| MCPyV | Merkel cell carcinoma |
Q24. Japanese Encephalitis (Q40)
Agent: Flavivirus (RNA). Vector: Culex tritaeniorhynchus. Reservoir: Pigs + Wading birds
Clinical: Encephalitis, seizures, Parkinsonian features, mask-like facies
Lab: IgM capture ELISA (CSF/serum), RT-PCR, CSF - lymphocytic pleocytosis
Vaccine: SA14-14-2 (live attenuated), IXIARO (inactivated)
Q25. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (Q38)
| VHF | Agent | Vector/Reservoir | Treatment |
|---|
| Ebola | Filovirus | Fruit bats, contact | Zmapp (MAb) |
| Lassa | Arenavirus | Rodents | Ribavirin |
| CCHF | Bunyavirus | Hyalomma tick | Ribavirin |
| Yellow fever | Flavivirus | Aedes mosquito | Supportive |
| Dengue HF | Flavivirus | Aedes aegypti | Supportive |
Q26. Mumps (Q49)
Agent: Paramyxovirus, ss RNA
Features: Bilateral parotitis (painful), Orchitis (post-pubertal males - infertility risk), Meningitis, Pancreatitis
Lab: Serology (IgM ELISA), RT-PCR
Treatment: Supportive
Vaccine: MMR (live attenuated)
Q27. Congenital Rubella Syndrome (Q47)
Gregg's Triad:
- Cataracts
- Congenital heart defects (PDA, pulmonary stenosis)
- Sensorineural deafness
Risk: Highest in first trimester (>80%)
Other features: Blueberry muffin rash, microcephaly, IUGR
Diagnosis: IgM in baby, virus isolation from urine, PCR
Prevention: MMR vaccine pre-conception. CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy.
Q28. Zygomycosis / Mucormycosis (Q46)
Agents: Rhizopus (most common), Mucor, Absidia
Morphology: Broad, NON-septate hyphae with wide angle (90°) branching - distinguishes from Aspergillus (which is septate, 45°)
Predisposing factors: Diabetes (DKA - most common), neutropenia, deferoxamine therapy
Forms: Rhinocerebral (most common), Pulmonary, Cutaneous
Diagnosis: KOH mount/biopsy (wide non-septate hyphae), culture on SDA
Treatment: Liposomal Amphotericin B + aggressive surgical debridement
AETCOM KEY POINTS (Both Papers)
Disclosing sensitive results (HIV/HBV/HCV):
- Private setting, face-to-face (never over phone)
- Maintain strict confidentiality
- Simple, non-technical language
- Show empathy, non-judgmental attitude
- Explain disease, treatment, prognosis
- Counseling: partner notification, safe sex, avoid blood donation
- Follow NACO/hospital guidelines
Informed Consent (surgery):
- Nature of diagnosis
- Nature of surgery + alternatives
- Risks and benefits
- Right to refuse
- Post-operative care
- Use vernacular language if needed
5 Moments of Hand Hygiene (WHO):
- Before patient contact
- Before aseptic procedure
- After body fluid exposure
- After patient contact
- After contact with patient surroundings
Study Priority:
Paper 1: HIV > Malaria > Typhoid > Hepatitis > Hypersensitivity > Sterilization > Drug resistance > ELISA > Cholera > E. histolytica
Paper 2: TB > Meningitis > Syphilis > Rabies > Gonorrhea > Diphtheria > Polio > Tetanus > Influenza > Echinococcus