Clostridium Difficile

Question 1

What type of bacteria is C.difficile?

Answer 1

Large gram positive bacilli (rods)

Question 2

What elements of the innate immune system normally prevent an infection occurring with regard to bacteria of the large bowel (ie c.difficile)?

Answer 2

Mucus membranes with associated lymphoid tissues, normal flora

Question 3

Some infections are caused by antibiotics killing the normal flora. Name some antibiotics that are frequently associated with a c.difficile infection.

Answer 3

Ampicillin
Amoxicillin
Cephalosporins
Clindamycin

Question 4

C.difficile exerts its pathological effects by producing toxins. What are these toxins and how do they work?

Answer 4

Toxins A: -enterotoxin
Causes excessive fluid secretion
Stimulate inflammatory response
Some cytopathic effect in tissue culture

Toxin B: -cytotoxin
Disrupts protein synthesis and causes disruption of cytoskeleton

Question 5

What is a c.difficile infection treated with?

Answer 5

Metronidazole

Vancomycin if severe