Clostridium Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the appearance of clostridium under the microscope

A

Gram positive

Bacilli

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2
Q

What does the clostridium species form?

A

Endospores

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3
Q

Where can the clostridium species be found? (X2)

A

GI tract

Environment

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4
Q

What disease does C. Tetani cause?

A

Tetanus

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5
Q

State the habitat of C. Tetani (x2)

A

Soil

Human

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6
Q

Appearance of C. Tetani under the microscope

A

Gram positive, but stains are gram variable

Spores

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7
Q

To which conditions can spores tolerate?

A

Spores can survive autoclaving at 121deg for 15mins

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8
Q

Incubation period of C. Tetani

A

4 days to weeks

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9
Q

Symptoms of infection by C. Tetani (x4)

A
  • irritability, drooling
  • headache, fever, sweating
  • exaggerated reflexes, back spasms, lock jaw
  • general muscle rigidity and spasm - difficulty swallowing; rigidity of the back
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10
Q

What should be given to someone suspected of infection by C. Tetani, who has never been immunised to it?

A

Administer Anti-toxin: tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) and 3 tetanus toxoid injections

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11
Q

What should be given to a patient suspected of C. Tetani infection, who has already been immunised before?

A

Administer anti toxin promptly - tetanus toxoid

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12
Q

Treatment for C. Tetani

A
  • prompt intervention - administer anti toxin
  • clean wound and undertake debridement
  • penicillin
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13
Q

Control of C. Tetani

A
  • immunisation with tetanus toxoid
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14
Q

Name 4 characteristics of C. Botulinum

A
  • gram-positive
  • obligate anaerobe
  • subterminal (slipper) endospores
  • produces neurotoxin
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15
Q

Sources of C. Botulinum (x3)

A

Foodborne
Wound
Infant

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16
Q

Symptoms of C. Botulinum (x7)

A
  • appears 18-36h after exposure
  • double / blurred vision
  • drooping eyelids
  • slurred speech
  • dry mouth - difficulty swallowing
  • muscle weakness
  • respiratory failure / paralysis
17
Q

Symptoms of c. Botulinum in infants (x4)

A
  • lethargy
  • constipation
  • weak cry
  • poor muscle tone
18
Q

Name 4 species of clostridium

A

C. Difficile
C. Botulinum
C. Tetani
C. Perfringes