Chapter 23, Problem 1R

Identify the portals of entry for Trypanosoma cruzi, Hantavirus, and cytomegalovirus.

Summary Introduction

To review:

Streptococcal infection in the cardiovascular system and predict the entry of pathogens like Trypanosoma cruzi, Hantavirus, and cytomegalovirus into the pericardium.

Introduction:

Strep throat is a common infection caused by Streptococcal bacteria. Cytomegalovirus infects individuals with weak immune system and widely cause infections in infants. Trypanosoma cruzi cause Chagas disease and Hanta virus cause infection in pulmonary alveoli.

Explanation of Solution

Diagram:

Streptococcal infection mainly causes strep throat. Through blood vessels, the pathogen ultimately reaches the heart and cause infection in the cardiovascular system.

Cytomegalovirus is a form of herpes virus. It infects the person with weak immune system and it remains in humans throughout the life time. Mostly, it infects pregnant women and infants. This infection may also lead to miscarriages. Some of the symptoms are tiredness, fever, and fatigue.

Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. This protozoa enter into the blood stream and infects other cells. Triatomine bug is an insect vector which helps in the transmission of disease. Swelling of the eyelid is a typical sign of Chagas disease. In the chronic phase of the disease, the infected individual develops symptoms like enlargement of the ventricles. This ultimately results in heart failure.

Hantavirus, also called as orthohantavirus, is a single stranded RNA virus that infects the humans. It mainly infects the alveoli of the lungs. This condition is known as a Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Hantavirus also has a tendency to affect the kidneys and heart, and ultimately hinder the proper functioning of these organs. 

Conclusion

Trypanosoma cruzi, Hantavirus and cytomegalovirus infects the cardiovascular system and their entries are shown in the diagram.