Bacilli/rod Flashcards
What type of bacteria is Bacillus anthracis?
Aerobic rods that are spore forming
Bacillus anthracis is known for causing anthrax.
How is Bacillus anthracis transmitted?
Spores enter abrasions on the skin or are inhaled
Spores can also be found in soil.
What are the main virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis?
Anthrax toxin: lethal factor, edema toxin
The anthrax toxin contributes to the pathogenicity of the bacteria.
What diseases are associated with Bacillus anthracis?
Anthrax: cutaneous, inhalational, gastrointestinal
Cutaneous anthrax involves skin infections, while inhalational anthrax affects the lungs.
What is the treatment for anthrax infection?
Ciprofloxacin, Vancomycin
Treatment may vary based on the type of anthrax infection.
What are the prevention and control measures for anthrax?
Formalin disinfection of hide/animal skin, strict control of infected animals, vaccine for at-risk individuals
Vaccination is crucial for those who may be exposed to the bacteria.
What laboratory tests can be performed to identify Bacillus anthracis?
Culture on blood agar, shows no pigment, beta-hemolysis
Identification through culture is a common laboratory method.
What is a key characteristic of Bacillus cereus?
Aerobic rods that are spore forming
Bacillus cereus is often associated with food poisoning.
What type of food is commonly associated with Bacillus cereus food poisoning?
Rice and vegetables
These foods can harbor preformed toxins if not stored properly.
Fill in the blank: Bacillus cereus produces _______ which can cause food poisoning.
enterotoxins
Enterotoxins are responsible for gastrointestinal symptoms.
What is the normal habitat of Corynebacterium diphtheriae?
Nasopharynx and skin
This bacterium is the causative agent of diphtheria.
How is Corynebacterium diphtheriae transmitted?
Respiratory droplets and direct skin contact
Diphtheria can spread through sneezing and coughing.
What is the main virulence factor of Corynebacterium diphtheriae?
Diphtheria toxin
The toxin can cause severe throat inflammation and pseudomembrane formation.
What are the treatment options for diphtheria?
Diphtheria antitoxin, Penicillin, Erythromycin
Antitoxin is critical for neutralizing the toxin.
What vaccine is available for diphtheria?
Diphtheria toxoid (DTaP vaccine)
Vaccination is key in preventing diphtheria.
What type of agar can be used to culture Corynebacterium diphtheriae?
Potassium tellurite agar
This agar helps in identifying the characteristic black colonies.
What is a unique microscopic feature of Corynebacterium diphtheriae?
Chinese letters arrangement
This characteristic helps in its identification under a microscope.
What is Nocardia and its characteristic structure?
Aerobic rods with branching filaments
Nocardia species are opportunistic pathogens, especially in immunocompromised hosts.
How is Nocardia typically transmitted?
Traumatic inoculation
Infection often occurs through wounds exposed to soil.
What are the treatment options for Nocardia infections?
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, surgical drainage, wound debridement
Treatment may vary depending on the extent of the infection.
What type of colony morphology does Nocardia exhibit on blood agar?
White and hard colony
This morphology aids in its identification in the laboratory.
What type of bacteria is Clostridium tetani?
Anaerobic rods, spore forming
Clostridium tetani is found in soil and can enter the body through wounds.
How is Clostridium tetani transmitted?
Spore enters into wound, no person-to-person spread
Tetanospasmin is the neurotoxin responsible for muscular spasms.
What disease is caused by Clostridium tetani?
Tetanus
Tetanus is characterized by muscle spasms.
What is the virulence factor of Clostridium tetani?
Tetanospasmin
Tetanospasmin is a neurotoxin that causes muscular spasms.
What are the treatments for tetanus?
Antitoxin globulin, Penicillin, Vaccine: tetanus toxoid
Vaccination is key for prevention.
What preventive measures can control tetanus?
Good food manufacturing practice, adequate cooking of food before consumption
These practices help prevent contamination.
What type of bacteria is Clostridium botulinum?
Anaerobic rods, spore forming
Clostridium botulinum is also found in soil.
How is Clostridium botulinum transmitted?
Ingestion of food contaminated with spores, no person-to-person spread, soil
Botulinum toxin leads to flaccid paralysis.
What disease is caused by Clostridium botulinum?
Botulism
Botulism is characterized by acute flaccid paralysis.
What is the virulence factor of Clostridium botulinum?
Botulinum toxin
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that causes paralysis.
What are the treatments for botulism?
Botulinum antitoxin, Penicillin
Early treatment is crucial for recovery.
What type of bacteria is Clostridium perfringens?
Anaerobic rods, spore forming
Clostridium perfringens is found in soil, humans, and animals.
How is Clostridium perfringens transmitted?
Wound exposed to soil contaminated, contaminated food
It can also cause food poisoning.
What diseases are caused by Clostridium perfringens?
Gas gangrene, food poisoning, necrotizing enteritis
Gas gangrene is a serious infection that can lead to tissue death.
What is the virulence factor of Clostridium perfringens?
Phospholipase acting upon lecithin
Lecithinase is detected by Nagler reaction.
What type of bacteria is Clostridium difficile?
Anaerobic rods, spore forming
Clostridium difficile is part of normal gut flora.
How is Clostridium difficile transmitted?
Faecal-oral route
This bacterium can lead to antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis.
What disease is caused by Clostridium difficile?
Antibiotics-associated pseudomembranous colitis
Symptoms include diarrhea.
What are the treatments for Clostridium difficile infection?
Wound debridement, Penicillin, discontinue current antibiotics, Oral vancomycin, Metronidazole
Discontinuing antibiotics is essential to manage the infection.
What preventive measures can control Clostridium difficile infections?
Prevent cross-infection in hospitals, use antibiotics wisely
Proper hygiene is critical in healthcare settings.
What laboratory tests can be used for Clostridium infections?
Blood agar, Nagler’s reaction, Robert cooked meat medium (RCM)
RCM is used for detecting saccharolytic activity.
What type of bacteria is Actinomyces israelii?
Anaerobic rods, branching filaments
Actinomyces israelii is part of normal flora of the mouth and female genital tract.
What disease is caused by Actinomyces israelii?
Actinomycosis
Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous infection.
What are the characteristics of pus in Actinomycosis?
Pus contains sulfur granules
Draining through sinuses open on the skin, such as the jaw or abdomen.
What is the treatment for Actinomyces israelii infection?
Penicillin, surgical debridement
Early intervention is vital for effective treatment.
What does the colony of Actinomyces israelii resemble on culture media?
Molar tooth
Yellow (sulfur) granules can be observed in pus.
