Microbe Identification: LPRA, Salmonella, Candida, Haemophilus
Microbacterium Leprae (LPRA)
Identification: Microbacterium leprae causes LPRA (also known as Hansen’s disease). It is an intracellular, pleomorphic bacterium, usually shaped like a stick. It is acid and alcohol resistant, remotely related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Histological stains include Ziehl-Neelsen, Fite-Faraco, Munxar, and Sudan III.
Form of Transmission: LPRA is not very infectious. It is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth, in frequent and close contact with untreated cases.
Manifestations: LPRA primarily affects the skin and nerves. If untreated, it can cause permanent and progressive lesions of the skin and nerves, especially in the extremities and eyes. Symptoms may appear up to 20 years later.
Treatment: LPRA is a curable disease. Multidrug therapy (MDT) was introduced in 1981, consisting of three medications: dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine. This drug combination kills the pathogen and cures the patient.
Prevention: Prevention consists of avoiding close physical contact with untreated individuals. People undergoing long-term medication are no longer infectious.
Salmonella
Identification: Salmonella is a Gram-negative, anaerobic, primary pathogen. It typically does not develop a capsule. It is motile and can grow in agar, forming colonies.
Form of Transmission: Salmonella is contracted through contaminated food and poorly cooked meals.
Manifestations: Salmonella infection presents with diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes skin eruptions, lasting between 1 and 8 days.
Treatment: Many people recover without treatment. Antibiotics are generally not recommended, as they may not reduce the course of the illness. However, they may reduce the severity and duration of the disease.
Prevention: Vaccines are available for individuals traveling to endemic regions. Cook food thoroughly and avoid raw or undercooked foods, especially during summer and in high temperatures. Store food in cool places and maintain careful hygienic measures.
Candida Albicans (Yeast)
Identification: Candida albicans is a fungus that thrives in warm, moist areas, causing superficial infections of the mouth, vagina, nails, and skin folds. The infection is produced by the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, which is part of our normal flora in the mouth, vagina, and skin.
Form of Transmission: Infections are due to alterations in the normal flora composition or changes in the host’s defenses. It is frequent in both sexes and all ages. Candidiasis can be easily transmitted through sexual contact, via hands, or objects. Vertical transmission from mother to child during delivery is also observed if the mother has genital candidiasis. It rapidly damages and invades tissues. There are numerous types: oral, genital, intestinal, etc.
Manifestations: Skin rashes and swelling with redness, especially in skin folds, genitals, etc.
Treatment: Antifungal medications, either oral, vaginal (liquids, creams, or suppositories).
Prevention: Avoid inappropriate antibiotic use, maintain good oral hygiene, correct obesity, avoid humidity, and maintain well-controlled diabetes.
Haemophilus Influenzae (Type B or Hib)
Identification: Gram-negative coccobacilli. Often grouped in short chains or isolated as filamentous bacilli. Non-ciliated bacteria, some species are encapsulated. It is a facultative anaerobic bacterium.
Form of Transmission: Lives in the respiratory tract and is transmitted by close contact with an affected person.
Manifestations: Otitis, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, epiglottitis, meningitis, cellulitis, endocarditis, fever, vomiting.
Treatment: Treatment depends on the affected area, the age, the severity of the person, and tolerance for certain medications. The most common treatment is the use of antibiotics.
Prevention: Vaccines are administered in different doses, recommended for children under 5 years, individuals with the spleen removed, adults and children with weakened immune systems, and people with HIV.