Term
| what is the shape, stain, spore-forming abilities, metabolism classification of Clostridia? |
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Definition
| Gram+, spore-forming, anaerobic bacilli |
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Term
| do they produce endotoxins or exotoxins? |
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Definition
| these are gram+, so exotoxins (although some gram- make 'em too) |
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Term
| are exotoxins: heat labile or heat stable? encoded for by plasmids? |
|
Definition
| heat labile and encoded by plasmids |
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Term
| Can Clostridium perfringes can lyse phospholipids and RBCs? |
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Definition
| yes it has toxins for that. |
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|
Term
| what is the name of the toxin that lyses RBCs, platelets, leukocytes and endothelial cells? |
|
Definition
| Alpha toxin (it is a lecithinase - phospholipase C) |
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|
Term
| what is Gas Gangrene (myonecrosis)? |
|
Definition
| gas is found in tissue from metabolic activity. PMNs are killed by toxins, so pathogen is out of control! |
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Term
|
Definition
| infection by C. perfringes at the subQ level. |
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|
Term
| what is a toxin produced by Clostridium tetani? |
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Definition
| tetanospasmin. A-B toxin, plasmid-encoded, heat labile, (think exotoxin at this point) neurotoxin. Responsible for clinical manifestations of tetanus |
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|
Term
| where does tetanospasmin act? |
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Definition
| in spinal cord, it attaches to regulatory neurons that normally inhibit inappropriate muscle contraction. It blocks the release of inhibitory transmitters, so a motor neuron only receives excitatory neurotransmitters, thereby causing uncontrollable and contant muscle contraction. |
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|
Term
| what is "risus sardonicus"? |
|
Definition
| clenched jaw (like a smile). caused from tetanospasmin |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| back spasms. caused from tetanospasmin |
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Term
|
Definition
| inactivated preparation of the toxin, used to produce antibodies to the toxin |
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|
Term
| what diseases of C. botulinum are there in the USA? |
|
Definition
| foodborne and infant botulism |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Neurotoxin is produced in vivo by the bug as it colonizes the GI tract. Source of infection is contaminated honey. Doesnt effect adults (our normal flora takes care of it). |
|
|
Term
| T/F: the C. botulinum toxin is a Category A agent of bioterrorism. |
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Definition
|
|
Term
| how does C. botulinum toxin work? |
|
Definition
| prevents release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Leads to paralysis |
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|
Term
| which bug is responsible for antibiotic associated gastrointestinal diseases that range from diarrhea to pseudomembranous colitis)? |
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Definition
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|
Term
| is C. dificile part of the normal flora? |
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Definition
|
|
Term
| how do antibiotics permit C. dificile overgrowth? |
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Definition
| they clear out the normal flora and C. dificile colonizes their vacant spots |
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