Anaerobes Flashcards
What are the 2 common diseases associated with C. perfringens infection?
Skin & soft tissue infection (SSTI) - gas gangrene
Food poisoning
What are the toxins produced by C. perfringens?
Alpha toxin
Beta toxin
What is the disease mediated by beta toxin produced by C. perfringens?
Clostridial Necrotising Enteritis
What is the toxin produced by C. tetani?
Tetanospasmin toxin
What are the presentations of a C. tetani infection?
- Jaw stiffness
- Tetanic spasms
- Spastic paralysis
Why is spastic paralysis caused by Tetanospasmin toxin dangerous?
It causes the respiratory muscles to be paralysed, depressing the patient’s ability to breathe voluntarily
How is spastic paralysis caused by tetanus infection treated?
Specific immunoglobulin HTIG to mop up the toxin and antibiotics
How is tetanus prevented in Singapore?
5x vaccine doses in childhood, followed by a booster every 10 years
How is flaccid paralysis caused by C. botulinum infections usually caused?
Pre-formed toxins found in food
How is flaccid paralysis caused by C. botulinum treated?
Antiserum to mop up toxin + ventilation
What is C. difficile commonly associated with?
C. difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD) typically precipitated by overuse of antibiotics which disrupt the normal gut flora
How is C. difficile diagnosed?
Faecal culture or enzyme immunoassay.
Once bacteria has been identified, can use PCR to confirm the toxin producing gene
What can severe C. difficile infection cause?
Pseudomembranous colitis
How is C. difficile managed?
Stop antibiotics if possible and start PO vancomycin
If multiple relapses occur, consider faecal microbial transplant
What is the typical treatment for non-sporing anaerobes?
Metronidazole
