Nocardia and Leptospirosis

• Who is most at risk for bronchopulmonary disease caused by Nocardia spp.?

  People with weakened immune systems
• What are the risk factors associated with leptospirosis?

  • Water Contact
  • Animal Handling
  • Swimming
  • Skinning
  • Farming
  • Butchering
  • Hunting
  • Camping
• What type of bacteria are Nocardia spp.?

  Aerobic bacteria
• What type of organism is responsible for leptospirosis?

  A bacterial spirochete
• What does it mean for Nocardia spp. to be weakly acid-fast?

  They resist decolorization by acid
• What are the risk factors for contracting Leptospirosis?

  • Planting
  • Hunting
  • Gutting
  • Canoeing
  • Weeding
  • Skinning
  • Fishing
  • Bathing
  • Harvesting
  • Butchering
  • Clamming
  • Swimming
• How do Nocardia spp. appear under a microscope?

  They look like branched sticks
• Which animals are considered reservoirs for leptospirosis?

  Rodents, dogs, and livestock
• How long does it take for Nocardia spp. to grow?

  3-5 days
• What are the two main reservoirs of Leptospira bacteria?

  • Peridomiciliary mammals
  • Wild mammals
• What is the primary mode of transmission for leptospirosis?

  Urine contamination of water and soil
• What are the main types of infections caused by Nocardia spp.?

  • Bronchopulmonary disease
  • Most common in immunocompromised individuals
  • Cutaneous infections
  • Primary on the skin or spreading from lung infection
• What is the composition of the cell wall in Nocardia spp.?

  Special fatty acids like mycolic acids
• In what environments is exposure to leptospirosis most likely?

  Contaminated environments like water and soil
• What is the name of the disease caused by Leptospira bacteria in wild mammals?

  Leptospirosis
• How do humans get infected with Leptospira bacteria?

  • Contaminated water
  • Mud
  • Soil
• What is the name of the disease caused by Leptospira bacteria in humans?

  Leptospirosis
• What is the name of the disease caused by Leptospira bacteria?

  Leptospirosis
• How does the leptospirosis bacterium enter the body?

  Through cuts or mucous membranes
• What are the two forms of cutaneous infections caused by Nocardia spp.?

  Primary on the skin or spreading from lungs