Anaerobic Infections Flashcards
Clostridia characteristics on histology
Anaerobic, Gram (+), spore-forming RODS
Look like little tennis rackets
Disease caused by clostridia
botulism, tetanus, gas gangrene, food-poisoning, pseudomembranous colitis
Common cause of invasive clostridial infections
Clostridia perfringens
C. Perfringens virulence factors
lecithinase - a phospholipase that kills cells and hemolysis RBC
Actinomyces characteristics on histology
anaerobic, Gram (+), non-spore forming RODs that form chains.
Colonies can be seen in abscesses and sinus tracts “sulfur granules”
Disease caused by Actinomyces
chronic suppurative and granulomatouis disease of the cervico-facial, thoracic, or abdominal areas
“lumpy jaw”, infected IUDs
Propionibacterium characteristics
Anaerobic, Gram (+), non-spore forming RODs
Propionibacterium disease
Causes acne
Infection of Prosthetic devices
Bacteroides fragilis characteristics
Anaerobic (aero-tolerant), Gram (-), non-spore forming RODs
can grow in bile
Bacteroides fragilis diseases
comes from colon and female GU
cause abscess formation
Bacteroides fragilis virulence
polysaccharide capsule –> anti-phagocytic
makes B-lactamases
Unique clinical features of an anaerobic infection
crepitation - gas formers/ferment
bad odors
brownish serous fluid - digest tissues
abscess formation - liquefaction necrosis
Antibiotics for anaerobes
penicillins
Carbapenems
clindamycin
metronidazole
