E2 Gram Positive Bacilli Flashcards
What is unique about gram positive bacilli?
Form spores!
What environmental conditions favor Bacillus anthracis?
High nitrogen areas
Periodic flooding
What is unique about visualizing the cultures of Bacillus anthracis?
Basically non-hemolytic
Colonies have irregular edges
Does Bacillus anthracis for spores in the presence of oxygen? What does this mean for veterinarians?
Yes.
Do NOT open carcasses
How long can Bacillus anthracis spores survive?
More than 100 years!
What types of animals are most susceptible to anthrax and which are most resistant?
Herbivores are most susceptible
Carnivores are resistant
Humans are moderately susceptible
What is the most common route of Bacillus anthracis infection in ruminants?
Ingestion or inhalation
Why is anthrax so deadly?
Produces several toxins
- Protective antigen
- Edema factor
- Lethal toxin
What is the disease name for cutaneous Bacillus anthracis infection?
Wool sorter’s disease
What is the cause of death in animals with Bacillus anthracis infections?
Toxins induce vascular collapse
What is positive about Bacillus anthracis infections?
It is easy to treat with antibiotics
What is unique about carcasses infected with Bacillus anthracis?
No rigor mortis
Blood does not clot
Is there a vaccine for Bacillus anthracis?
Yes
but only 6 months protection
Can you get a Bacillus anthracis infection from eating meat from an infected animal?
Yes!
What is the usual disease caused by Bacillus cereus?
Food poisoning
Esp sugar beet pulp in pigs
Can healthy animals carry Listeria monocytogenes bacteria?
Yes
What is unique about Listeria monocytogenes bacteria?
Do NOT form spores
What type of disease does Listeria monocytogenes cause?
Food poisoning
What cells does Listeria monocytogenes infect?
Macrophages
Hepatocytes
What are some severe outcomes of Listeria monocytogenes infection?
CNS infection
Abortions
What is the major source for Human exposure to Listeria monocytogenes?
Turkeys
liver necrosis
What are the two types of Listeria monocytogenes infection?
- Visceral form = injection or inhalation
2. Neural form = conjunctive or trigeminal nerve
What disease does the neural form of Listeria monocytogenes cause?
“Circling disease”
Cattle & sheep
What is Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae?
Affects turkeys & pigs
Present in 50% of normal pigs
What disease does Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae cause?
“Diamond skin disease” in pigs
“Blue comb” in Turkeys
Can be ZOONOTIC but localized
Is there a vaccine for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae?
Yes for pigs
What is Rhodococcus equi?
Commensal of tonsils of grazing animals
Cause of fatal suppurative bronchopneumonia in foals
Very antibiotic resistant
How is Rhodococcus equi diagnosed?
See bacteria in tracheal wash
What is Corynebacterium?
Common skin commensal
Sheep & goats
What is Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis?
Causes caseous lymphadenitis = sheep & goats
Ulcerative lymphangitis = cattle & horses
“Contagious acne”
What is a common clinical sign of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection?
Abscess with ODORLESS exudate!
Slow to develop
What diseases are caused by C. renale, C. cystitis, C. pilosum?
Causes pyelonephritis & cystitis
Cattle
Bacteria in urine
What is the cause of “Pizzle rot” in sheep & goats?
Corynebacterium renale
Risk in high protein diet
