Microbiology

Extra Credit Assignment for 2117 lecture class Wiebke Middleton Mr. Grantham M/T 5:45-7p.m. 15 Mar. 2018 Penicillium notatum 1. Classification (Which of the following phyla is it in? The choices are Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Deuteromycota, or Zygomycota.) Penicillium notatum , as it was formerly known as, is now called Penicillium chrysogenum and belongs to the Ascomycota phylum. 2. Give your description of what it looked like to you. In the Petri dish it reminds me most of an ancient brick wall, whereas the 3-D image looks more like a feather duster. In the Petri dish it appears like rectangular blocks molded together rather unevenly. In the 3-D image however, it appears like cylinders the branch off from one strand into multiple strands and ultimately break down into strands of spheres. 3. Give the description provided in reference materials. The name Penicillium comes from the resemblance of the conidiophore of the fungus to a paintbrush. Penicillus is the Latin word for paintbrush. “Conidia are asexually produced spores that are borne externally to the cells that produce them.” (Thomas J. Volk) 4. What does it infect, grow on, or where is it found? Penicillium chrysogenum is most commonly found naturally in moist soils with plentiful quantities of carbon and nitrogen for mycorrhizal growth. This means that the fungus assists in the absorption of minerals and water from the soil and defends the roots from other fungi and nematodes, while the plant provides carbohydrates to the fungus. This species can also be found on fruit causing decay. P. chrysogenum is generally not known to cause infection, although there have been rare cases of immunocompromised patients who developed lung infections from this source in combination with P. jiroveci . Extra Credit Assignment for 2117 lecture class Wiebke Middleton Mr. Grantham M/T 5:45-7p.m. 15 Mar. 2018 5. Describe the impact that it has on humans. (This could be either a disease process in humans or the production of a useful product that humans can use or some other form of impact.) P. chrysogenum is one of the main Penicilliums that is used to create the antibiotic Penicillin. It interferes with the synthesis of peptidoglycan which weakens the cell walls of dividing bacteria, so they burst and die because of osmotic pressure. Penicillin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic and is more effective against Gram-positive bacteria. 6. List the references you consulted. http://website.nbm-mnb.ca/mycologywebpages/NaturalHistoryOfFungi/Conidia.html http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/nov2003.html Thomas J. Volk, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Adrian, B.L., Burdette, S.D., and Herchline, T.E. "Intestinal invasion and disseminated disease associated with Penicillium chrysogenum". Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob. December 2005. Vol 4. Page 21. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi? tool=pmcentrez&artid=1343575

BIOL | 2117 | Microbiology | homework | Extra Credit Assignment for 21

Case 3.1 Questions 1. Which cardiovascular infectious condition is this? This is most likely acute bacterial endocarditis, it is usually caused by staphylococcus aureus which comes into the blood through another site of infection and sometimes during tooth extractions or tonsillectomies. In this case it is likely from his tooth extraction four days prior. 2. What is the most likely causative organism and the route of transmission? Again, acute bacterial endocarditis is usually caused by staphylococcus aureus and he was likely infected at the site of his tooth extraction. 3. What is the connection, if any, with rheumatic fever? Rheumatic fever is a complication from the infection, it has likely caused the man’s heart murmur because the infection of the heart valves which was caused by endocarditis. 4. Why did you look at his fingernails? Tiny petechial hemorrhages under the nail is a possible symptom of endocarditis. 5. What type of culture would a physician most likely order and why? A blood test would be the most likely culture taken so that the bacteria in the bloodstream would be identified. Also it will show if you have a shortage of healthy red blood cells which can be a sign of endocarditis. 6. What is the treatment? Is there a way to prevent the condition? Penicillin usually cures rheumatic fever. When it comes to endocarditis, you will likely need to immediately have intravenous antibiotics in the hospital, the antibiotics will depend on the specific type of bacteria that caused the endocarditis. If the infection on the heart valves was bad enough the damage valve may need to be fixed by surgery. Prevention may be done by exercising good hygiene such as brushing your teeth, flossing and mouth rinse, also having regular dental visits. If you are at risk, take antibiotics prior to major dental surgery where the bacteria may enter the blood stream and cause endocarditis. People that are at risk for endocarditis are people that have artificial heart valves, congenital heart defects, history of intravenous illegal drug use, a history of endocarditis, and damaged heart valves.

BIOL | 2117 | Microbiology | lecture notes | Case 3.1 Questions 1. Which ca

4. What are some of the steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of infection by Chagas disease through insect vectors like kissing bugs? One way to reduce the likelihood of infection by Chagas disease through insect vectors like kissing bugs is to consult a licensed pest control operator to see if there are any sprays that can be used to get rid of infestations in your home. You could also do some structural changes to your home like sealing any cracks or holes that could allow easy entry from outside. Remove any wood, brush and rock piles that are near your home. Repair or replace any torn or broken screens on your doors or windows. Avoid using lights that are outside and close to your home, which can attract bugs. Ensure that your pets are sleeping inside at night and finally, keep your home as clean as possible. From a medical standpoint, screening blood donations helps public health to prevent the spread. Also early detection and proper treatment will help the people already infected. Finally, the public health system in areas that have an issue with Chagas disease could put out information that would reach the general public to try to get people to be proactive about preventing the disease. 5. Which of these approaches might be easiest, or most useful, for Adrian, given his circumstances? Keeping his house clean would be a good start. Sealing the cracks between the slats of wooden walls and floor, just to make it more difficult for bugs to enter should also help. If he could get his hands on some insecticide from work, spraying it around his house would eliminate an existing infestation.

BIOL | 2117 | Microbiology | lecture notes | 4. What are some of the steps 

Tropical_Case_Study_Part_1.docx-Autumn Hollingsworth Tropical Case Study Part

All courses in BIOL

Popular Documents