Campylobacter

Question 1

Characteristics of Campylobacter jejuni

Answer 1

Gram negative, microaerophilic (55-10% O2), curved, motile, non-spore forming

Question 2

Symptoms C. jejuni can cause

Answer 2

lower abdominal pain, diarrhea (watery/ with blood and pus in the stool)

Question 3

Pathogenesis

Answer 3

1. C. jejuni infection induce a higher concentration of IgG anti-GM1 antibodies through the aid of helper T cells
2. IgG anti GM1 antibodies then bind to motor nerve terminal axons
3. inhibition of motor neuron excitability
4. muscle weakness (Guillain Barré syndrome)

Question 4

name the toxin and its actions

Answer 4

Cytolethal distending toxin (CDT)
1. CdtA and CdtC bind to the cell membrane, facilitates CdtB to enter into the cell through clathrin-coated pit pinocytosis
2. CdtB goes into Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus–> induce DNA double stranded breaks which lead to cell-cycle arrest

Question 5

Treatment

Answer 5

Macrolife and fluoroquinolones