Clostridium botulinum

Question 1

Where is Clostridium botulinum found?

Answer 1

• soil
• smoked fish
• canned food
• honey

Question 2

Is Clostridium botulinum gram postive or negative

Answer 2

gram positve spore formming rod

Question 3

Is Clostridium botulinum a anaerobe or aerobe?

Answer 3

anaerobe

Question 4

What is the virulence factor of Clostridium botulinum?

Answer 4

flagella (H-Ag(+))

Question 5

What are the clinical manifestation for Clostridium botulinum?

Answer 5

1) neurotoxin: inhibits release of ACh from peropheral nn ( not secreted; released upon death of oraganism)

Question 6

What are the clinical manifestation for Clostridium botulinum?

Answer 6

1) neurotoxin: inhibits the release of ACh from peripheral nn ( not secreted; released upon the death of the organism)
a. cranial nerve palsies
b. muscle weakness
c. respiratory paralysis
* infants: constipation and flaccid paralysis

Question 7

What are the treatments for Clostridium botulinum?

Answer 7

1. antitoxin
2. penicillin
3. hyperbaric oxygen
4. ventilatory assistance and intubation