Clostridium Botulinum-Robotulism

Question 1

What is the result of gram staining Clostridium botulinum

Answer 1

Gram positive

Question 2

What is the oxygen susceptibility of Clostridium botulinum

Answer 2

Obligate anearobe

Question 3

What is the clinical presentation of an infection with Clostridium botulinum

Answer 3

Flaccid paralysis, starting in a descending manner (starts with the eyes)
-Only in the peripheral nervous system

Question 4

Which part of the neural system is affected by the Clostridium botulinum toxin

Answer 4

Only peripheral nerves since the toxin can not cross the BBB

Question 5

How is Clostridium botulinum differentiated from Guillen barre

Answer 5

Clostridium botulinum is an a descending pattern while Guillen barre is in an ascending manner

Question 6

What are the early signs of a Clostridium botulinum infection

Answer 6

Ptosis and diplopia

Question 7

How does the Clostridium botulinum toxin work

Answer 7

Cleaves the snare proteins, inhibiting exocytosis of ACh

Question 8

Which cells are affected by Clostridium botulinum toxin

Answer 8

Motor neurons

Question 9

What is the cause of “floppy baby syndrome”

Answer 9

Clostridium botulinum toxin

Question 10

How does a Clostridium botulinum infection differ in babies and adults

Answer 10

Adults-ingesting preformed toxins

Children-ingestion of bacteria, which are able to colonize the gut

Question 11

Which food should not be given to children because the high likelihood it contains Clostridium botulinum

Answer 11

Honey