Clostridia L5 Flashcards
Are clostridium species gram positive or gram negative?
Gram positive
Are clostridium species rods or cocci?
Rods
Can clostridium species survive in aerobic conditions?
No- they’re obligate anaerobes.
Are clostridium species spore forming?
Yes
What is the typical shape of clostridium species?
Drumstick shape or Grama’s slippers.
What is the clostridium species responsible for Tetanus?
C. tetani
What is the clostridium species responsible for Botulism?
C. botulinum
What toxaemia group are C. tetani and C. botulinum?
Neurotoxic
What clostridium species is enterotoxic, how many types does it have and what one is relevant in NZ?
C. perfringens
Types A, B, C, D, E
In NZ Type D causes disease.
Are clostiridal disease contagious?
No
What do clostridium species play an important role in?
Putrefaction
What are the 4 common histotoxic clostridium species?
C. chauvoei
C. novyi
C. septicum
C. sordelli
What are the hosts for histotoxic clostridium species?
Cattle, sheep, humans, horses
What are the common hosts for C. tetani?
Humans, horses and pigs are highly susceptible. Cattle, sheep, dogs, cats and goats are less susceptible.
What are the hosts for enterotoxic clostridium species?
Humans, sheep, cattle
What type of paralysis does C. tetani cause?
Rigid paralysis
What type of paralysis does C. botulinum cause?
Flaccid paralysis
What is the neurotoxin that causes the clinical signs of Tetanus?
Tetanospasmin
When is tetanospasmin released?
When the bacteria lyse, such as during spore germination or during vegetative growth.
Where does tetanospasmin toxin act?
CNS- peripheral nerve terminals, spinal cord, the brain and the sympathetic nervous system.
How does tetanospasmin act?
Blocks inhibitory impulses by interfering with the release of neurotransmitters.
How many phases are there of clinical disease with tetanus?
4 phases
What phase of clinical disease with tetanus causes constricted pupils, tight lips, erect ears, inability to open its jaws sunken eyes and/or sensitivity to light?
Phase I