5.5: Clostridium Flashcards
Botulism is caused by ___1___, a Gram-___2___, ___3___-robic, spore-forming, ___4___ bacterium.
- Clostridium botulinum
- positive
- anae-
- bacillus
When exposed to ___1___ conditions C. botulinum releases a ___2___ toxin that affects ___3___.
- anaerobic
- paralytic
- motor neurons
True or False: Botulism is a common illness, and medical treatment are usually over the counter.
False. Botulism is a serious illness, and medical treatment should be sought out immediately.
Although the bacteria/spores can be found in the soil and water, they remain harmless until ______ conditions become available and the bacteria become metabolically active.
anaerobic
What are the three main conditions that are often the cause of toxin production?
- First, foodborne botulism is often the result of improperly canned or contaminated, low-acidic foods such as green beans, corn, and beats.
- Second, infant botulism occurs when children, usually under the age of six months consume foods containing the bacteria.
- Third, wound botulism occurs when C. botulinum bacteria colonize a deep wound.
Describe Foodborne Botulism.
Foodborne botulism is often the result of improperly canned or contaminated, low-acidic foods such as green beans, corn, and beats. Within this low-oxygen environment the production of the botulin toxin is stimulated, and if it is later eaten, it can cause severe illness. When consumed, muscle weakness or even paralysis is observed.
Describe Infant Botulism.
Infant botulism occurs when children, usually under the age of six months consume foods containing the bacteria. A potential source of infant botulism is honey (which is why pediatricians recommend avoiding feeding honey to infants) but can also be found in common places such as soil. Infants’ intestinal tracts are still maturing, and they lack adult microbiota, so the bacteria are able to colonize and produce the associated toxin. In adults, only the direct ingestion of the pre-formed toxin causes disease—ingestion of C. botulinum or the associated spores do not cause illness as a mature intestinal microbiota sufficiently prevents bacterial germination and growth.
Describe Wound Botulism.
Wound botulism occurs when C. botulinum bacteria colonize a deep wound (Figure 5.8). Potential contamination may occur in deep puncture wounds (especially in an open, dirty environment) but are most often observed in individuals who inject street drugs such as heroin. As contaminated needles are injected through the skin, spores enter the body and, in the absence of oxygen, release the toxin.
Although botulism can cause severe, life-threatening illnesses, researchers have also found a way to harness the paralytic effects of the botulin toxin in the form of ______.
Botox
Botox, although most commonly used cosmetically to prevent wrinkles (the paralytic toxin prevents the skin from moving and wrinkling), certified physicians are also able to inject small doses of the toxin in precise areas to prevent cranial muscle spasms in patients with ______.
severe migraine headaches
Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, a Gram-___1___, ___2___-robic, spore-forming, bacillus bacterium often found in ___3___, ___4___, and ___5___.
- positive
- anae
- soil
- dust
- animal feces
Similar to C. botulinum, it is the ___1___ toxin produced by C. tetani (also under anaerobic conditions) that causes illness, not the ___2___ itself.
- tetanospasmin
- bacteria
The toxin acts on inhibitory neurons causing systemic muscle stiffness and spasms, most often seen initially in the ___1___. For this reason, tetanus was also known by its pseudo name: ___2___.
- masseter muscle of the jaw
- lockjaw
If Tetanus is left untreated, the toxin-induced muscle tightening can lead to ___1___ as the muscles associated with ___2___ no longer function properly.
- respiratory failure
- breathing
True or False: Currently, there is no cure for tetanus. Instead, medical intervention depends on managing the complications associated until the effects of the toxin resolve.
True
Tetanus is entirely preventable through ______.
vaccination
What is being depicted?
Botulism. (A) Gram-positive staining of the bacillus C. botulinum. (B and C) A puncture wound in the arm of a 14-yr.-old male patient resulting in wound botulism. Although fully wake, the paralytic effects of the microbe cause sleepy eyes. Additionally, his pupils are fixed and dilated despite being exposed to bright light.
What is being depicted?
Gas Gangrene. An infected individual showcases necrosis within the upper shoulder and neck regions. Surgery was required to remove all areas containing C. perfringens followed by a strong antibiotic regimen.
