MICR_041213 Chol, Campy, Helico Flashcards
What are some characteristics of vibrio cholerae?
gram (-), motile, polar flagellum
What are some of the virulence factors that vibrio cholerae produce? (5)
1) endotoxins (O, H, neuraminidase), 2) exotoxins (Cholera toxin (enterotoxin)), 3) TCP (toxin coregulated pilus)
What is the major colonization factor of vibrio cholerae?
TCP - toxin coregulated pilus
What is the major virulence factor that vibrio cholerae produces that is responsible for the massive, watery diarrhea?
cholera toxin (an entero-/exo-toxin)
Which serotype of vibrio cholerae causes epidemic cholera?
serogroup O1
What is the mechanism of pathogenesis of vibrio cholerae?
1) oral ingestion, 2) bypasses stomach to reach small intestines, 3) forms microcolonies in intestinal crypts, 4) secretes CHOLERA TOXIN, which binds Gm1 gangliosides on enterocytes. 4) NEURAMINIDASE converts other gangliosides to GM1 ganglioside (to increase the number of toxin-binding sites). 5) CHOLERA TOXIN enters cells via endocytosis, 6) increases cAMP production via adenylate cyclase, 7) decreases Na/Cl/HCO3 reabsorption, 8) massive intestinal fluid loss
What are the clinical features of vibrio cholerae infection?
painless, odorless watery diarrhea (leads to volume loss, dehydration, low blood pressure “shock”)
What are the treatments for vibrio cholerae infection?
1) ORT, 2) antibiotics: doxycycline and azithromycin
What antibiotics are used to treat vibrio cholerae?
doxycycline and azithromycin
Vibrio cholerae is prevalent in which countries?
poverty/inadequate sanitation (developing countries: Asia, Africa, South America)
What is the mortality rate of vibrio cholerae?
1%.
Where is the newest epidemic of vibrio cholerae?
Haiti - caused by UN workers who brought it in from Nepal
What vaccines are available to treat vibrio cholerae?
PARENTERAL: ineffective. ORAL: 1) inactivated vaccine - 70% effective and is currently being used in Haiti, 2) live-attenuated vaccine - effective in north-American volunteers, but yet to be proven in endemic populations
What is the most common etiologic agent of diarrhea in the world?
campylobacter
What are some characteristics of campylobacter?
gram (-), microaerophile
What are the common causative agents of campylobacter?
C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. fetus
What is the mechanism of pathogenesis of campylobacter?
1) intake of contaminated food/water (chicken/unpasteurized milk), 2) bypass stomach to enter intestines, where it 3) initiates an inflammatory process that causes 4) diarrhea.