Gram Positive Rods Flashcards
What are the characteristics of Bacillus?
- Spore forming Gram positive rod
- Widespread in nature
- Prefers aerobic conditions
- Motile except for B. anthracis
What disease does Bacillus anthracis cause?
Anthrax
What are Biothreat Category A pathogens?
Category A pathogens are those organisms/biological agents that pose highest risk to national security and public health because they:
– Can be easily disseminated or transmitted from person to person
– Result in high mortality rates and have potential for major public health impact
– Might cause public panic and social disruption
What are the 3 types of anthrax infections found in humans?
- Cutaneous
- Gatrointestinal
- Inhalation
What are the characteristics of cutaneous anthrax?
– Painless papule – Ulcer surrounded by vesicles – Necrotic eschar – 20% mortality
What are the characteristics of GI anthrax?
• Upper GI – Ulcers in mouth and esophagus • Lower GI – Terminal ileum most common – N/V, malaise, bloody diarrhea • Mortality 100%
What are the characteristics of inhalation anthrax?
• Prolonged latent period (2 months or more)
– Fever, SOB, cough, HA, vomiting, chills, chest and abdominal pain
• Second stage
– Rapidly worsening fever, edema and enlargement of
mediastinal lymph modes
What is seen on the x-ray of inhalation anthrax patients?
Widened mediastinal area
What are the virulence factors of B. anthracis that lead to pathogenesis?
- Edema toxin: fluid accumulation
* Lethal toxin: stimulates macrophages to release tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 1 beta
What biochemical test results can confirm anthrax?
– Motility - negative
– Non-Hemolytic
– PCN susceptible
What does Bacillus cereus infection cause?
Mainly food poisoning
– Caused by exotoxins
– Emetic form
– Diarrheal form
What are the Gram positive rods that can cause food poisoning?
Bacillus cereus
Clostridium perfringens
What is a possible unique habitat for Listeria monocytogenes?
Refrigerated food
What is the mechanism of infection of Listeria?
- Bacteria invade epithelial cells, M cells, macrophages by internalin protein
- ActA protein allows them to move into adjacent cells without exposure to immune system
Why are patients with defects in cellular immunity especially susceptible to Listeria?
Humoral immunity relatively unimportant because bacteria move within cells, thus avoiding antibody-mediated clearance