Gram Negatives I Flashcards
What is an endotoxin?
Endotoxins are heat stable, LPS components of the outter membrane of Gram - bacteria. They are released into the host circulation following bacterial cell lysis.
LPS consists of O antigen which protrudes from the exterior cell surface and Lipid A which is integrated into the outter membrane.
Lipid A is responsible for the toxic effects of the endotoxin.
What are the physiologic effects of endotoxin?
Fever
SHock
Hypotension
Thrombosis
How does LPS interact with CD14 and Toll-like receptors?
LPS binds to lectin binding mannose protein. This complex binds to CD14.
TLR 2 and 4 then bind to CD14 and this in turn activates an intracellylar signalling cascade that ultimatley leads to the activation of NF kappa B, TNF alpha, and IL8.
What is TNF alpha responsible for?
Hypotension
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Inflammation
What are the characteristics of Haemaphilus influenza?
Gram - rod
Encapsulated
Can be cultured on blood agar (Chocolate agar) placed in high CO2
Quelling test can identify capsule
Requires X factor (Hematin) and V factor (NAD+) for growth.
What is the clinical significance of H. influenzae?
Primarly causes severe pediatric disease:
Meningitis - Caused by B-type capsule and the complications include mental retardation, seizures, deafness, and death.
Acute epiglottitis
Septic arthritis
Sepisis
Pneumonia
What are the virulence factors for H. influenzae?
Capsule - Six types, a thru f and b is the most virulent. This is also anti-phagocytic.
Attachment pili
IgA protease - Degrades IgA antibody
What are the toxins released by H. influenzae?
Endotoxins - Cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) and Hemolysin
What other encapsulated Gram - rods cause meningitis, fever, headache, and stiff neck in children?
Meningococcus and pneumoccocus
What do non-encapsulated strains of H. influenzae cause?
Upper respiratory tract infections such as otitis media and sinusitis.
How is H. influenzae spread and what is its reservoir?
Humans are the reservoir and the bacteriam is spread via the inhalation route via droplets.
What is the Type B capsule of H. influenzae made of?
Polyribosyl phosphate
Type B capsules cause meningitis and sepsis
What are the symptoms for sinusitis and otitis media?
Pain in affected area, opacification of sinus, swelling and redness of tympanic membrane.
In adults with COPD, what infection can H. influenzae cause?
Pneumonia
How is H. influenzae treated?
Vaccination is the first line of defense
Cefotaxime and Rifampin
What is the H. influenzae vaccine made from?
Hib capsular polysaccharide (PRP) conjugated to protein
Has a 90% efficacy in protecting infacts from Hib
What are the charateristics of Bordetella pertussis?
Gram - rod / coccobacilli
Encapsulated
Humans are the reservoir
Transmitted via respiratory route
Does not invade boddy tissues; multiplies on mucus membranes
Toxins cause local tissue damage
How can B. pertussis be diagnosed?
Bordet-Gengou media - Made up of potatoes, blood & glycerol agar
ELISA
PCR
What are the virulence factors of B. pertussis?
Capsule
Beta-lactamase
Filamentous hemagglutinin rod - A pili for attachment
Exotoxins
What are the toxins of B. pertussis?
Exotoxins -
a) Pertussis toxin - Activates G proteins that increase cAMP
b) Tracheal cytotoxin (Heat-labile toxin) - Kills ciliated epithelial cells
c) adenylate cyclase toxin