Bacteria Chapter 20 Clostridium- Bacillus Flashcards
what type of microbe is clostridium
- gram positive rods
- endospore forming
- obligate anaerobic
- environment (soil) and intestinal mucus
what color do the endospores in clostridium stain
green
what is the virulence factor for clostridium
- spore formation
- spores are resistance against destruction or sterilization
- spores are not subject to antibiotics
what does clostridium botulinum cause
-botulism
- severe form of food poisoning
- paralysis
what is wound botulism possible from
soil or fecal contamination
what is infant botulism and when does it resolve
- occurs in 3-20 week infants without full intestinal flora
- causes muscle weakness but rarely severe and generally resolves as intestinal flora develops
what are the virulence factors for clostridium botulinum
- botulinum neurotoxin blocks acetylcholine release
- flaccid muscles including respiratory paralysis -> death
is there tissue invasion in clostridium botulinum
no it acts through toxins
while spores are _____, botulinum toxin is _______
heat stabile, heat labile
how long does anti toxin neutralization take
weeks to months
describe the neurotoxins in clostridium botulinum
- proteolytic and saccharolytic
what is another toxin effect of clostridium botulinum
no wrinkles and flaccid paralysis
what are opportunities for anaerobic growth of C. tetani
dirty, puncture wounds like knife, bullet, tattoo
what are the virulence factors for clostridium tetani
- tetanospasmin blocks GABA and glycine release -> loss of inhibitory input to motor neuron excitation -> uncontrolled muscle contraction “ spastic paralysis”
- toxin effect may be localized and one sided ; anti-toxin usually too late
what does tetanus toxin prevent
muscle relaxation
tetanus effects can be ____ or _____
general or localized
what can prevent neonatal tetanus death by umbilical infection
passive immunization of pregnant women