Clostridium Botulinum

Question 1

Morphology of clostridium botulinum

Answer 1

• gram positive
• 5x1 micro meter in size
• non capsulated
• motile by preitrichate flagella producing subterminal, oval, bulging spores

Question 2

Cultural characteristics

Answer 2

1. Strict anaerobe
   Grows at 35°c but some strain at 1-5°c
2. Surface colonies are large, irregular and semi transparent with fimbriate borders
3. Spores are produced consistently when grown in alkaline glucose media at 20-25°c

Question 3

Resistance of clostridium botulinum

Answer 3

1. Heat and radiation resistant
2. survive several hours at 100
3. Survive 10 mins at 120

Question 4

Classification

Answer 4

A B C1 C2 D E F G
C2 is enterotoxin rest are neurotoxic

Question 5

: How is the Clostridium botulinum toxin activated?

Answer 5

It is activated by trypsin and other proteolytic enzymes.