C diff

Question 1

What is the general classification of C diff?

Answer 1

gram +, rod (bacilli), anaerobic, spore forming

Question 2

Two toxins associated with C diff?

Answer 2

Toxin A: enterotoxin

Toxin B: cytotoxin Hyaluronidase

Question 3

What is the “gold standard” for C diff testing?

Answer 3

cytotoxin assay

Question 4

other than cytotoxin assay, what is an important test for C diff?

Answer 4

ELISA- enzyme linked immunosorbent

• tests for both toxin A and B
• low sensitivity (60-80%)

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action for toxin A?

Answer 5

(enterotoxin) activates inflammatory cascade in colon, disrupts the intercellular tight junctions causing fluid secretion, mucosal injury, edema, and inlammation

Question 6

What is the mechanism of action for toxin B?

Answer 6

(cytotoxin) disrupts cytoskeleton, leading to mucosal injury and activation of inflammatory cascade

Question 7

Occurs prior to sterilization, doesn’t remove microbes but removes chemicals, radioactivity to make safe to handle

Answer 7

decontamination

Question 8

destroys all living organisms, viruses, and endospores so they are no linger able to reproduce

Answer 8

sterilization

Question 9

reduces organisms to a low enough level that disease is unlikely; inanimate objects (ie. bedpans) since often too toxic to use on human tissue

Answer 9

disinfectant

Question 10

microbicide safe to use in human tissue

Answer 10

antiseptic

Question 11

decrease number of microbes to a safe level but doesn’t eliminate

Answer 11

sanitizer

Question 12

procedure performed under sterile conditions

Answer 12

aseptic

Question 13

Name an appropriate treatment for mild and severe C diff.

Answer 13

Mild- metronidazole

severe- vancomycin