5.5 Clostridium Flashcards
What is a general description of botulism?
gram positive, spore-forming, bacillus bacterium
What strain causes botulism?
clostridium botulinum
What happens when C. botulinum is exposed to anaerobic conditions?
releases a paralytic toxin that affects motor neurons
Where can the bacteria/spores of C. botulinum be found?
soil and water
What are the three main conditions that cause toxin production in C. botulinum?
- foodborne from improperly canned or contaminated, low acidic food
- infant botulism
- when C. botulinum colonize a deep wound
What are examples of foods that can lead to botulism?
low-acidic foods such as green beans, corns, and beets
What are some symptoms of botulism from foodborne sources?
muscle weakness and paralysis
When are infants most susceptible to infant botulism?
younger than 6 months
What are some sources of infant botulism?
honey
soil
Why are infants more susceptible to botulism?
intestinal tracts are still maturing and do not contain proper microbiota
Where is wound botulism mostly observed?
individuals who inject street drugs
What strain causes tetanus?
clostridium tetani
What is a general description of Clostridium tetani?
gram positive, anaerobic, spore forming, bacillus bacterium
Where is the bacteria causing tetanus usually found?
soil
dust
animal feces
What actually causes tetanus?
tetanospasmin toxin that is produced by C. tetani under anaerobic conditions
