CHAPTER 19: Clostridium

Question 1

The main pathogenicity mechanism of Clostridium species

Answer 1

Toxin production

Question 2

Acute diarrheal disease caused by Clostridium difficile

Answer 2

Pseudomembranous colitis

Question 3

SIGHT

Answer 3

Suspect
Isolate
Gloves and apron
Hand hygiene
Toxin test

Question 4

Medication with duration for C. diff infection

Answer 4

Metronidazole 10 days

Question 5

Clostridium botulinum serotypes most commonly associated with human disease

Answer 5

A, B, E

Question 6

Incomplete heat treatment of contaminated food in canning or bottling processes allows this organism to survive and produce toxin.

Answer 6

Clostridium botulinum

Question 7

3 forms of C. botulinum disease

Answer 7

Food intoxication
Wound botulism
Infant botulism

Question 8

C. botulinum infection rapid onset begins within __ hours of ingestion

Answer 8

6

Question 9

Type of paralysis in C. botulinum infection

Answer 9

Descending paralysis starting with cranial nerves

Question 10

Clostridium infection causing infants to appear floppy and listless, constipated and have generalized
muscle weakness.

Answer 10

C. botulinum

Question 11

Organism most commonly associated with gas gangrene

Answer 11

Clostridium perfringens

Question 12

C. perfringens is capsulate and produces a range of toxins, of which ___________ is the most important.

Answer 12

Lecithinase C (α-toxin)

Question 13

Days of onset for C. perfringens

Answer 13

3 days

Question 14

Manifested as tenseness of the skin, which develops an underlying blue discoloration, foul smell and crepitus.

Answer 14

Gas gangrene