Clostridium Difficile-Chocolate Factory

Question 1

What is the result of gram staining of Clostridium difficile

Answer 1

Gram positive

Question 2

What is the common method of transmission for Clostridium difficile

Answer 2

Nosocomial infection, since ethanol alone will not kill the spores

Question 3

What treatment increases the chances of getting Clostridium difficile infection

Answer 3

Clindamycin, which kills the normal flora

Question 4

What are the names of the two toxins produced by Clostridium difficile

Answer 4

A and B

Question 5

Where does Clostridium difficile exotoxin A bind and what is the result

Answer 5

Brush border of the intestine, leading to cell death and watery diarrhea

Question 6

Where does Clostridium difficile exotoxin B bind and what is the result

Answer 6

Binds and disrupts the actin filaments in enterocytes, causing necrosis and cell death. Leads to a yellowish grey exaudate coving the mucosa

Question 7

What is the condition formed by Clostridium difficile exotoxin B

Answer 7

Pseudomembranous colitis

Question 8

How is infections with Clostridium difficile detected

Answer 8

Presence of exotoxin in the stool, as the presence of the bacteria alone does not indicate anything

Question 9

What is the oxygen susceptibility of Clostridium difficile

Answer 9

Obligate anaerobe

Question 10

How is Clostridium difficile treated

Answer 10

Oral vancomycin

Metronidazole