Gram + Bacilli Flashcards
capsule composed of protein (poly-D glutamic acid)
Bacillus anthracis
most common route of entry; potent exotoxin causes localized tissue necrosis,
evidenced by a painless round black lesion with a rim of edema (malignant pustule)
cutaneous anthrax infection
is very stable, resistant to drying, heat, UV light, &
disinfectants, can survive dormant in soil for decades
B. anthracis spore
ingestion of spores from contaminated meat; B. anthracis matures and replicates in intestine,
where exotoxin is released; vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea; necrotic lesion within the intestine
Gastrointestinal anthrax
patients initially develop diplopia & dysphagia; respiratory paralysis and death; treated with an antitoxin
Adult Botulism
Spore Location of C. tetani
terminal
a disease that primarily affects herbivores (cows and sheep)
anthrax
produces extremely lethal neurotoxin that causes rapidly fatal food poisoning; neurotoxin blocks release of acetylcholine (ACh) causing flaccid muscle paralysis
Clostridium botulinum (Botulism)
spores are taken up by WBCs in the lungs; Mediastinal hemorrhage & pleural effusions; MR = 90%
Pulmonary anthrax | Woolsorter’s disease
Spore Location of C. botulinum
Subterminal
spores float in air and can land on food; food with spores not cooked sufficiently, placed into an anaerobic environment (like a glass jar, can, or zip-lock freezer bag)
Adult Botulism
ingestion of fresh honey contaminated with spores; spores colonizes the infant’s intestinal tract; initially, infant will be constipated for 2 to 3 days; followed by difficulty swallowing and muscle weakness; “floppy” babies; antitoxin is generally not used
Infant Botulism
tetanospasmin causes a sustained contraction of skeletal muscles called _____
tetany
disease that follows a puncture wound or skin trauma by any object contaminated with spores in anaerobic environment
Clostridium tetani (Tetanus)
Clostridium tetani releases an exotoxin, called _________
tetanospasmin
_________ are commonly found in soil and animal feces
Clostridium tetani spores
severe muscle spasms of jaw
trismus, lockjaw
severe hyperextension
opisthotonus
grotesque grinning expression (___________) due to spasm of facial muscle
risus sardonicus
trauma into muscle, secretes exotoxins that destroy adjacent muscle. CT scan reveals pockets of gas within the muscles and subcutaneous tissue. As the enzymes degrade the muscles, a thin, blackish fluid exudes from the skin.
Clostridial myonecrosis
In the emergency room you will encounter Patients who were immunized as a child and received periodic boosters but the last shot was more than 10 years ago. Give
Give booster.
Necrotic skin is exposed to Clostridium perfringens,
which grows and damages local tissue. Palpation reveals a moist, spongy, crackling
consistency to the skin due to pockets of gas; this is called crepitus.
Cellulitis/wound infection
In the emergency room you will encounter Patients who have never been immunized. Give _________
immune globulin + booster
______ devastated soldiers wounded in battle
Clostridium perfringens
spores contaminate wounds from battle or other trauma; deep wounds with lots of dead tissue create an anaerobic environment that offers an excellent home for Clostridium perfringens
Clostridium perfringens
(Gas gangrene)
disease is characterized by severe diarrhea,
abdominal cramping, and fever
Pseudomembranous Enterocolitis
pathogen responsible for antibiotic-associated
pseudomembranous colitis
Clostridium difficile
(Pseudomembranous Enterocolitis)
