Microbiology Flashcards
Which organism is the commonest cause of food poisoning?
Campylobacter
Which organisms are more likely to cause outbreaks of food poisoning?
Salmonella
E. coli 0157
What is the incubation period for Staph. aureus and Bacillus cereus?
Short
1-6 hours
Staph. aureus produces a toxin which is rapidly absorbed by the stomach. True/False?
True
What is the incubation period for Salmonella and Cl. perfringens?
Medium
12-48 hours
What is the incubation period for Campylobacter and E. coli 0157?
Long
2-14 days
Which foods does Campylobacter mainly colonise?
Poultry
Raw milk
Poor food preparaiton
Is Campylobacter likely to spread from person to person?
No
Which foods does Salmonella mainly colonise?
Poultry
Raw egg
Meat, animal guts
What is the significance of the antigens found on Salmonella?
Different antigens on different strains, so specific antibodies will agglutinate
Which foods does E. coli 0157 colonise?
Beef
Raw milk, water
Wide variety really
Is E. coli 0157 likely to spread from person to person?
Yes
Who is most at risk of complications from E. coli 0157 infection?
Children + elderly
What is the name of the toxin produced by E. coli 0157?
Verotoxin (VTEC)
Which syndrome can result due to verotoxin?
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
What are the sites of action of antibiotics in a cell?
Cell wall
Cell membrane
Cytoplasm
DNA
What is the main class of antibiotic which acts on the beta-lactam ring on the cell wall of bacteria?
Pencillins
Does antibiotic use lead to antibiotic resistance?
Yes
How does antibiotic use have public health consequences for other people, in terms of resistance?
Resistant bacteria are selected out in presence of antibiotic, and can spread between patients
What is meant by antimicrobial stewardship?
Prescribing optimum dosage and duration of antimicrobial treatment that results in best clinical outcome, prevention of infection and minimal resistance