Gram positive endospore-forming bacilli Flashcards
Clostridium Difficile Morphology/Structure
Gram positive rod,
Endospore former,
Anaerobic
Clostridium Difficile Modes of Transmission
Normal flora of
human intestines,
Common
nosocomial
infection caused
by overuse of
antibiotics
Clostridium Difficile Virulence Factors
Forms
endospores,
enterotoxin A
causes fluid in
colon, cytotoxin B
causes cell to cell
junctions are
disrupted
Clostridium Difficile Diseases/Symptoms
diarrhea, abdominal pain,
fever, blood in stool,
holes in intestines
Clostridium Difficile Diagnostics
Enzyme
immunoassays
for toxins A and
B and
appearance of
pseudomembran
es in colon
Clostridium Difficile Prevention/Treatment
vancomyocin,
probiotics, fluids,
fecal transplant
Clostridium Difficile Immune Response
Normal flora,
causes disease
when
overgrowth
occurs
(opportunistic
infection)
Clostridium Tetani Morphology/structure
Gram positive rod,
Endospore former,
Anaerobic
Clostridium Tetani Modes of Transmission
Flora of cattle &
horses, Lives in
soil enters
through wounds
Clostridium Tetani Virulence Factors
Forms
endospores,
tetanospasmin is a
neurotoxin leading
to muscle spasms
and inability to
relax skeletal
muscles
Clostridium Tetani Diseases/Symptoms
Jaw cramping,
involuntary muscle
stiffness, trouble
swallowing, headache,
fever and changes in
blood pressure and heart
rate.
Clostridium Tetani Diagnostics
No hospital lab
test, just look for
signs and
symptoms
Clostridium Tetani Prevention/Treatment
There is a
vaccine (DTP or
DTPH), is also an
antitoxin that
neutralizes
tetanospasmin
toxin
Clostridium Tetani Immune Response
Toxins spread
from site of
injury and
affects
motorneurons
(inhibitory), no
relaxation of
muscles.
Clostridium
Botulinum Morphology/Structure
Gram positive rod,
Endospore former,
Anaerobic
