8 Nonenteric Gram Negative Rods (Infectious Bacterial Agents)

Question 1

Haemophilus Influenzae

Answer 1

• Gram (-) pleomorphic rods
• Requires factor X (HEMIN) and factor V (NAD) for growth
• Humans are the only nature hosts
• Virulence: Capsule
• Clinical: LEADING CAUSE OF BACTERIAL MENINGITIS IN CHILDREN

Question 2

Bordetella Pertussis

Answer 2

• Gram negative coccobacilli
• WHOOPING COUGH
• Transmitted to child who has not been vaccinated
• Virulence: AB toxin; Catarrhal phase (contagious), Paroxysmal phase (whooping cough)
• Vaccine every 10 years

Question 3

Legionella Pneumophila

Answer 3

• Gram (-) rods
• Atypical bacteria for community acquired pneumonia
• Clinical significance: LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE, pontiac fever

Question 4

Pseudomonas Aerugenosa

Answer 4

• Gram (-) nonfermenting rod
• Green/blue pigment (grape juice, tortilla chip odors)
• Virulence: secretion systems, toxins, pili, capsule
• Clinical significance: BIOFILMS ARE DIFFICULT TO ELIMINATE, multi-drug resistance
• Major pathogen for pts w/CYSTIC FIBROSIS AND HOSPITALS

Question 5

Francisella Tularensis

Answer 5

• Gram (-) pleomorphic coccobacilli
• TULAREMIA (zoonotic disease)
• Transmittal: TICKS, LICE, MITES
• CATEGORY A BIOTERRORISM AGENT
• Clinical: Ulceroglandular/Pneumonic tularemia

Question 6

Yersinia Pestis

Answer 6

-Gram (-) small rod
-Bubonic plague/black death
-CATEGORY A BIOTERRORISM AGENT
-Transmittal: FLEAS
-Virulence: T3SS, Yops proteins
Tropism for lymph tissues
-Clinical: Bubonic plague (buboes), Pneumonic plague (rapidly fatal)