Genus Clostridium ( endospore-forming gram-positive rods and cocci)

Question 1

Genus Clostridium

Answer 1

strict anaerobes, members produce powerful exotoxins, spores common in soil

Question 2

C. botulinum

Answer 2

extremely powerful neurotoxins( considered the most deadly natural toxin known), causes flaccid paralysis, respiratory arrest, death. Symptoms result from eating contaminated food containing the botulinum toxin

Question 3

C. difficile

Answer 3

common cause of superinfection involving the colon, toxins damage lining of the colon, very difficult to eradicate once established in the colon

Question 4

C. perfringens

Answer 4

produces an assortment of tissue destroying enzymes and toxins cause of gas gangrene, an almost inevitable sequel to a battlefield wounds. (bullets and shell fragments pass through muddy uniforms and into flesh)

Question 5

C. tetani

Answer 5

produces powerful neurotoxins which cause spastic paralysis