Bacteriology 11: Mycobacteria, Nocardia, Actinomyces Flashcards
What staining method do we use for mycobacteria?
Acid-fast method. Does not stain well by gram method
Mycobacteria have a unique cell wall structure rich in mycolic acids, making them acid-fast. This means they resist decolorization by acids during staining procedures.
They are structurally classified as thin rods
Mycobacteria cell wall
Their cell walls contain high levels of mycolic acid and lipids, making them waxy and hydrophobic. This causes them to have slow growth for visible colonies.
Contain mycolic acid which has a waxy consistency and is hydrophobic
-allows cell to adhere to each other = causes aggregation
-protect against detergents, drugs and desiccation
-acts as a barrier to nutrient uptake, making it difficult for essential nutrients to enter the bacterial cell. This slows down their metabolism and replication.
Also contains Lipoarabamannan (LAM) which is structurally/functionally similar to LPS in gram (-)
Cell-envelope structure inside to out
Cytoplasm
Cytoplasmic cell membrane
Peptidoglycan
Arabinogalactan
Mycolic acids
-lipoarabinomannan (extend from cytoplasmic membrane to the outside)
Why does Tuberculosis love the lungs?
TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis primarily targets the lungs because the lungs provide an ideal environment for the bacteria to thrive. They are OBLIGATE AEROBES
The cord factor
The cord factor is a glycolipid molecule found in the cell walls of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic mycobacteria.
It plays a critical role in the virulence and pathogenesis of TB.
The cord factor contributes to the bacteria’s ability to evade the immune system and cause disease.
The cord factor is also responsible for the characteristic “serpentine cord-like” growth of the bacteria in culture, where the bacteria grow in tight, rope-like formations. grow in filaments
During what stage does granuloma formation for TB occur and Why would TB cause granuloma formation?
Granuloma formation allows TB to hide from host.
-contain infection
-latency
While granulomas help prevent the spread of the bacteria (contain the infection) they also provide a niche for the bacteria to persist in a dormant state, contributing to latent TB. The breakdown of granulomas can lead to reactivation TB and the progression of the disease.
What causes the reactivación of TB
Reactivation: In some cases, especially when the immune system weakens, the granuloma can break down, leading to the reactivation of TB and the spread of bacteria.
f the granuloma breaks down, the bacteria can be released into the lung tissue or the bloodstream, leading to reactivation TB or disseminated TB. This breakdown is more likely in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, diabetes, age, malnutrition, alcoholism.
Is the granuloma formed by the host or by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis?
The granuloma is formed by the host’s immune system.
When M. tuberculosis enters the lungs and infects macrophages, the bacteria evade destruction within these immune cells.
The immune cells aggregate around the infected macrophages, forming a well-defined structure. This structure is the granuloma.
TB diagnosis
acid fact stain = b/c TB = mycobacteria
We can grow TB in cultures but the growth is very slow due to the mycobacteria cell wall containing mycolic acid and high lipid concentration. There we must do a Tuberculin/Mantoux Test
-PPD is injected beneath the skin (towards the dermis) and “read” 48-72 hours later intradermal inoculation
Active TB diagnosis
chest x-ray
IGRA (interferon-gamma release assays) = confirmation
More sensitive than PPD
The PPD will show you have TB but it wont be able to differentiate b/w latent and active
Chest X-Ray:
Purpose: Helps visualize lung abnormalities and is a key diagnostic tool.
Findings:
Active TB: May show lung infiltrates, cavitary lesions, or lymphadenopathy.
Latent TB: Typically shows normal chest X-ray findings unless there is progression to active disease.
TB prevention and where and for whom is it used for
Vaccine
-BCG (Bacille cal meter-Guerin)
-live strain of Mycobactrium Bovis
-not used in the U.S
Used in developing countries to protect children against disseminated forms of TB
does not protect against pulmonary TB
TB treatment
Combo of antibiotics for extended periods (months) to ensure the complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent the development of drug resistance.
The treatment regimen varies depending on whether the TB infection is latent or active.
ANTI-TB AGENTS: isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide and ethambutol
MDR-TB: resistant to isoniazid and rifampin
XDR-TB: literally everything
TB treatment
Combo of antibiotics for extended periods (months) to ensure the complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent the development of drug resistance.
The treatment regimen varies depending on whether the TB infection is latent or active.
The PPD will show you have TB but it wont be able to differentiate b/w latent and active. Must do Chest X-RAY to visualize lung abnormalities and is a key diagnostic tool.
ANTI-TB AGENTS: isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide and ethambutol
MDR-TB: resistant to isoniazid and rifampin
XDR-TB: literally everything
Mycobacterium Avium complex (MAC)
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) refers to a group of closely related mycobacterial species, primarily Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare, that cause infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals causing pulmonary infection
MAC is an opportunistic pathogen
The cells are heavily infected
Nocardia
-gram +/-
-shape
-w/ or w/o O2
-distinct feature
-the human pathogens associated with this genus
-gram (+)
-bacilli = rod and they’re branched formation
-obligate aerobe and saprophytic
-cell wall contains mycolic acid (also seen in mycobacteria)
-N.asteroides and N.brasiliensis
Nocardia
-found in
-transmission
-pathogenesis
-found in soil worldwide
-inhalation of aerosolized bacteria (pulmonary)
inoculation injection from prick/skin trauma (cutaneous)
eye trauma
-Nocardia tens to remain localized in healthy patients vs. spread to many parts of the body in those w/ weak immune systems = Nocardiosis
