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Ch. 22 - Microbial Diseases of the Nervous System
Tortora - Microbiology: An Introduction 14th Edition
Tortora14th EditionMicrobiology: An IntroductionISBN: 9780138200398Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTortora 14th EditionCh. 22 - Microbial Diseases of the Nervous SystemProblem 6
Chapter 22, Problem 6

The increased incidence of encephalitis in the summer months is due to
a. Maturation of the viruses.
b. Increased temperature.
c. The presence of adult mosquitoes.
d. An increased population of birds.
e. An increased population of horses.

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1
Understand that encephalitis is often caused by viruses transmitted by vectors, such as mosquitoes.
Recognize that the incidence of encephalitis increases in summer due to ecological and biological factors affecting the vector population.
Consider that adult mosquitoes, which are the primary vectors for many encephalitis-causing viruses, become more abundant in warmer months.
Evaluate the options: maturation of viruses and increased temperature alone do not directly explain the increased incidence; the presence of adult mosquitoes is a key factor because they transmit the virus to humans.
Conclude that the increased incidence of encephalitis in summer is mainly due to the increased population of adult mosquitoes, which facilitates virus transmission.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Vector-borne Transmission of Encephalitis

Encephalitis can be caused by viruses transmitted through vectors like mosquitoes. Understanding how mosquitoes act as carriers is crucial, as their population dynamics directly influence the incidence of encephalitis, especially during warmer months when mosquitoes are more active.
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Seasonal Population Dynamics of Mosquitoes

Mosquito populations increase in summer due to favorable temperature and breeding conditions. Adult mosquitoes, which are capable of transmitting viruses, become more abundant, leading to a higher risk of vector-borne diseases like encephalitis during these months.
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Role of Reservoir Hosts in Encephalitis Transmission

Birds often serve as reservoir hosts for encephalitis viruses, maintaining the virus in nature. While their population affects virus circulation, the direct cause of increased human cases is linked more to vector activity than to host population changes.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

After receiving a corneal transplant, a patient developed dementia and loss of motor function, then became comatose and died. Cultures were negative. Serological tests were negative. Autopsy revealed spongiform degeneration of brain tissue. The patient most likely had

a. Rabies.

b. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

c. Botulism.

d. Tetanus.

e. Leprosy.

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Textbook Question

Endotoxin is responsible for symptoms caused by which of the following organisms?

a. N. meningitidis

b. S. pyogenes

c. L. monocytogenes

d. C. tetani

e. C. botulinum

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Provide the following information on poliomyelitis: etiology, method of transmission, symptoms, prevention. Why aren’t the Salk and Sabin vaccines considered treatments for poliomyelitis?

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Textbook Question

Match the following choices to the statements in questions 7 and 8:

a. antirabies antibodies

b. HDCV

Produces longest lasting protection.

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Textbook Question

On the following figure, identify the portal of entry of H. influenzae, C. tetani, botulinum toxin, M. leprae, poliovirus, Lyssavirus, arboviruses, and Acanthamoeba.

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Textbook Question

Fill in the following table:

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