Anaerobes (Exam #) Flashcards
Are anaerobes gram + or - ?
a mixture of both
What does aerotolerant mean?
anaerobic bacteria not killed by small amounts of air (5%)
What two anaerobic species are known to be aerotolerant?
Clostridium spp. and Actinomyces spp.
How long does it take for obligate anaerobes to die when exposed to oxygen?
As little as 10 minutes
What enzymes do anaerobic bacteria lack?
superoxide dismutase and catalase, enzymes required to break down reactive oxygen during aerobic metabolism, which is harmful to bacteria
obligate aerobes
grow well in 21% o2 and 0.3% co2 aka ambient air
obligate anaerobes
grow only in or near 0% o2 levels, 5-10% hydrogen and co2, and 80%-90% nitrogen
microaerophiles
only grow under reduced 02 levels 5-10%, and co2 8-10%
facultative anaerobe
can grow under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, potential skin flora. Will respire aerobically until oxygen is depleted then ferment.
Capnophile
likes increased co2 5-10%, and 15% o2. Is accomplished in our lab via candle jar
What is the most abundant bacteria in the GI tract?
anaerobes, and the number of bacteria increase as you move distally.
what is the most abundant bacteria in the human colon and why is this important?
Bacteriodes spp., they break down food products into forms our bodies can use and also break down dietary carcinogens.
Are clostridia normal flora?
yes, of the GI and skin
What additional anaerobes are normal flora of the skin and/or upper respiratory tract?
propionibacterium, prevotella, and fusobacterium
What bacteria is normal flora of the female genital tract and in rare cases pathogenic?
Lactobacillus, microaerophillic, gram positive thin rods with spiral forms. Catalase negative. can be pinpoint on SBAP as well as aplha hemolytic like streptococci.
What are the disease transmission types of anaerobes?
- endogenous infections- opportunistic infections, pathogens gain access to sterile sites (Trauma)
- exogenous sources- rusty nails, skin puncture
- ingestion of improperly canned foods (botulism)
- human to human spread (C. Diff)
Are anaerobe infections common in urine?
- Very rarely urine, only 1% of isolates isolated from urines are anaerobes.
- Voided or catheterized urine not acceptable (normal flora contaminants).
- Suprapubic bladder aspirate is acceptable.
What are preferred anaerobe specimens?
- Specimens that limit the amount of normal flora contamination are preferred e.g. aspirates, tissue, blood.
- Acceptable specimens include aspirated material or tissue biopsy.
- Needle aspiration preferred over swabs
What are the disadvantages of swabs?
- small amount
- drying
- toxic exposure to air
- normal flora contamination
What should blood collection sites be sanitized with?
with iodine or clorhexidine gluconate in combo with 70% isopropyl alcohol
How should anaerobe specimens be transported?
- Anaerobes causing infection often come from warm, moist (humid) areas in the body, thus need to create artificial conditions mimicking this to avoid shocking them.
- Tissue needs to be placed in anaerobic transport tubes or vials containing Pre-reduced anaerobically sterilized (PRAS) media to keep tissue moist.
- Specimens should be held at room temperature.
What are the common anaerobe containers?
*Anaerobe Jars or Pouches e.g. Gas-Pak by BD
Clear, heavy plastic jar with air tight seal (clamp-lid)
*Pouch systems also available commercially with all necessary agents.
*Holding Jars
*Anaerobe Chambers (Glove boxes)
How do you know you are creating an anaerobic environment using a gas-pak and jar?
Heat will be produced and condensation will collect on walls of jar, indicates you are achieving proper conditions, takes ~ 30 minutes.