2d. Bacillus Flashcards
What is so special about Bacillus and Clostridum bacteria?
They are spore-forming.
What is unique about Bacillus bacteria?
Has a capsule that is made out of poly-D-glutamate and the only non-polysaccahride one. It is immunogenic.
What is the distinguishing characteristics of Bacillus anthracis?
Large,box-car like, G(+) rods.
Where is the reservoir for Bacillus anthracis?
Animals, skin, soil.
How is Bacillus anthracis transmitted?
Contact with infected animals or inhalation of spores from animal hair and wool. Spores survive long after animal dies.
What are the three protein components of anthrax toxin?
I. Protective antigen (B component): mediates entry of LF or EF into eukaryotic cells. II. Lethal factor. III. Edema factor - is an adenylate cyclase (calmodulin-activated like pertussis adenylate cyclase).
Describe Cutaneous anthrax.
Papule: Papule with vesicles (malignant pustules) that turns to central necrosis (eschar) with erythematous border often with painful regional lymphadenopathy; fever in 50%.
Describe Pulmonary anthax.
AKA Wool’s Sorter’s Disease: Life-threatning pneumonia; cough, fever, malaise, and ultimately facial edema, dyspnea, diaphoresis, cyanosis, and shock with mediastinal hemorrhagic lymphadenitits.
What is the treatment for anthrax?
Ciprofloxacin or doxycycline.
What is a good preventitive measure for anthrax?
Vaccine: cell free vaccine for people in high-risk occupations.
Which toxin of Bacillus cereus is related to fried rice?
Emetic toxin: fast (1-6), similar to S. aureus with vomiting and diarrhea.
Which toxin of Bacillus cereus is related to meats and sauces?
Diarrheal toxin: Similar to E.coli’s LT: increasing cAMP that leads to watery diarrhea.
