microbiology A 40-year-old man who was seropositive for HIV experienced abdomina

Question

microbiology

A 40-year-old man who was seropositive for HIV experienced abdominal pain, fatigue, and low-grade fever (38 degree C) for 2 weeks. A chest x-ray examination revealed lung infiltrates Gram and acid-fast stains were negative. A viral culture revealed the cause of his symptoms: large, enveloped polyhedral virus with double started DNA. What is the disease? Which viral causes it? Why was viral culture done after obtained? A newborn female developed extensive vesicular and ulcer lesions over her face and chest. What is the most likely cause of her symptoms? How would you determine the viral cause of this disease without doing a viral culture? By May 14, two people living in the same household had died within 5 days of each other. Their illnesses were characterized by abrupt onset of fever, muscle pain, headache, and cough, followed by the rapid development of respiratory failure. By the end of the year, 36 cases this disease, with a 50% mortality rate, had been confirmed. A member of the Orthomyxoviridae, Bunyaviridae, or adenoviridae could cause this disease. Differentiate among these families by method of transmission, morphology, nucleic acid type of replication. The reserviour for this disease is mice. Name the disease and disease.

Explanation / Answer

Answer 1) The disease is CMV pneumonia along with GI disease and dissemination. It is caused by CMV virus (cytomegalovirus).
The X-ray examination revealed lung infiltrates which provides an indication of bacterial or viral disease. But the Gram stain and acid-fast stain tests were negative, so the diagnosis was still not clear and therefore further testing was required. Moreover, the staining techniques are only used for bacteria, not for the virus.

Answer 2) A newborn female is infected by Herpes Simplex Virus. The mother is newly affected by the virus which is transferred to the baby by the vertical transmission from the mother.  

The viral cause of the disease can be determined by performing a blood test that includes C-reactive protein and complete blood count (CBC). Also, the cause can be determined by HSV PCR or HSV EIA. The PCR methods help in the detection of the DNA (genetic material) of the HSV virus, whereas the EIA is able to detect HSV-related protein.
The test cell sample is placed in a Petri dish along with the viral culture. The dish contains special culture medium (specific for the growth of HSV). After 12-24 hours of incubation, the Petri plates are observed. If there is no change in the culture medium, this indicates a negative test for HSV.

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