GI (diarrheal) - Clostridium Difiicile

Question 1

Morphology

Answer 1

Gram Positive Rods with spores

obligate anaerobe

Question 2

Classification/Diagnosis

Answer 2

test for toxin in stool sample

Question 3

Pathology

Answer 3

2 enterotoxins target Ras proteins (TcdA and TcdB)
cytopathic effects
disrupt tight junctions in epithelia

Question 4

Epidemiology

Answer 4

common cause of antibiotic associated diarrhea in hospital setting, also community acquired

Question 5

Diseases/Symptoms

Answer 5

mild to sever watery diarrhea
fever, cramps
leukocytosis pseudomembranous colitis
toxic megacolon

Question 6

Treatments/Vaccinations

Answer 6

Oral Vancomyocin
Metronidazole
If possible, stop offending antibiotic