Clostridium Flashcards
Describe the appearance of clostridium under the microscope
Gram positive
Bacilli
What does the clostridium species form?
Endospores
Where can the clostridium species be found? (X2)
GI tract
Environment
What disease does C. Tetani cause?
Tetanus
State the habitat of C. Tetani (x2)
Soil
Human
Appearance of C. Tetani under the microscope
Gram positive, but stains are gram variable
Spores
To which conditions can spores tolerate?
Spores can survive autoclaving at 121deg for 15mins
Incubation period of C. Tetani
4 days to weeks
Symptoms of infection by C. Tetani (x4)
- irritability, drooling
- headache, fever, sweating
- exaggerated reflexes, back spasms, lock jaw
- general muscle rigidity and spasm - difficulty swallowing; rigidity of the back
What should be given to someone suspected of infection by C. Tetani, who has never been immunised to it?
Administer Anti-toxin: tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) and 3 tetanus toxoid injections
What should be given to a patient suspected of C. Tetani infection, who has already been immunised before?
Administer anti toxin promptly - tetanus toxoid
Treatment for C. Tetani
- prompt intervention - administer anti toxin
- clean wound and undertake debridement
- penicillin
Control of C. Tetani
- immunisation with tetanus toxoid
Name 4 characteristics of C. Botulinum
- gram-positive
- obligate anaerobe
- subterminal (slipper) endospores
- produces neurotoxin
Sources of C. Botulinum (x3)
Foodborne
Wound
Infant
