Aerobic Gram (+) Rods

Question 1

Introduction/Species

Answer 1

• Bacilus Anthracis, Bacilus Cerus, Listeria Monocytogenes, Corneybacterium Diptheriae
• Catalase positive, gram +

Question 2

Corneybacterium Diptheria

Answer 2

• High levels of vaccination make cases rare
• Must be coinfected by bacteriophage to cause toxin production (toxin ADP ribosylates E2F)
• Infection causes gray pseudomembrane to form which may rupture.
• Appears as “chinese chracters” on gram stain, can be grown on potassium tellurite media to rule out normal flora

Question 3

Bacilus Anthracis

Answer 3

• Spore forming rod that lives in the soil and normally infects herbivores. Sometimes called “ wool sorters disease”
• Can cause severe illness often resulting in death, no person to person transmission
• Was species used by Koch and Pasteur for early experiments on germ theory

Question 4

Bacillus Cerus

Answer 4

-Food Poisoning, especially Fried Rice

Question 5

Listeria Monocytogenes

Answer 5

• Small intracellular parasite that lives inside of macrophages. Moves between cells by actin tail propulsion.
• Grows well at 2-5 degrees C and thus causes foodborne illnesses especially when left in refrigerator for a long time.
• Is very serious in pregnant mothers and newborns, can cause bacteremia, encephalitis, and premature delivery.