Microbiology Superset RidEZ - Part 1 Flashcards
Function and chemical composition of bacterial structure: Peptidoglycan
Function:
- Rigid support
- Protects against osmotic pressure
Chemical composition:
Sugar backbone with cross-linked peptide side chains
Function and chemical composition of bacterial structure: Cell wall/cell membrane
Gram positives only
Function: Major surface antigen
Chemical composition: Teichoic acid, which induces TNF and IL-1
Function and chemical composition of bacterial structure: Outer membrane
Gram negatives only
Function: Site of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) and major surface antigen
Chemical composition: Lipid A induces TNF and IL-1, and polysaccharide is the antigen
Function and chemical composition of bacterial structure: Plasma membrane
Function: Site of oxidative and transport enzymes
Chemical composition: Lipoprotein bilayer
Function and chemical composition of bacterial structure: Ribosome
Function: Protein synthesis
Chemical composition: 50S and 30S subunits
Function and chemical composition of bacterial structure: Periplasm
Function: Space between the cytoplasmic membrane and outer membrane in gram-negative bacteria
Chemical composition: Contains many hydrolytic enzymes, including beta-lactamases
Function and chemical composition of bacterial structure: Capsule
Function: Protects against phagocytosis
Chemical composition: Polysaccharide (except Bacillus anthracis which contains D-glutamate)
Function and chemical composition of bacterial structure: Pilus/fimbria
Function: Mediates adherence of bacteria to cell surface; sex pilus forms attachment between 2 bacteria during conjugation
Chemical composition: Glycoprotein
Function and chemical composition of bacterial structure: Flagellum
Function: Motility
Chemical composition: Protein
Function and chemical composition of bacterial structure: Spore
Function: Provides resistance to dehydration, heat, and chemicals
Chemical composition: Keratin-like coat and dipicolinic acid
Function and chemical composition of bacterial structure: Plasmid
Function: Contains a variety of genes for antibiotic resistance, enzymes, and toxins
Chemical composition: DNA
Function and chemical composition of bacterial structure: Glycocalyx
Function: Mediates adherence to surfaces, especially foreign surfaces (eg indwelling catheters)
Chemical composition: Polysaccharide
Function of this structure: IgA proteases
Function: Allow some organisms to colonize mucosal surfaces
Which bacteria have IgA proteases?
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Neisseria gonorrheae
- Hemophilus influenzae
Which bacterial substances induce cytokines, and which are they?
Cytokines induced:
- IL-1
- TNF
Gram positive inducer: Teichoic acid
Gram negative inducer: Lipopolysaccharide (Endoxtoxin)
What does the capsule of Bacillus anthracis consist of?
D-glutamate
What bacterial structure contains D-glutamate?
Capsule of Bacillus anthracis
What are the main differences between gram negative and gram positive organisms?
Peptidoglycan cell wall: Gram positive has thick. Gram negative has thin.
Flagellar basal body rings: Gram positive has two. Gram negative has four.
Outer antigen: Gram positive: Teichoic acid. Gram negative: Lipidpolysaccharide
Periplasmic space: Gram positive does not have. Gram negative has.
Porin channel: Gram positive does not have. Gram negative has.
Lysozyme and penicillin attack: Gram positive are sensitive. Gram negative are resistant.
What bacteria do not gram stain well?
Mnemonic: These Rascals May Microscopically Lack Color
- Treponema
- Rickettsia
- Mycobacteria
- Mycoplasma
- Legionella pneumophila
- Chlamydia
Why does the following bug not gram stain well?: Treponema
Too thin to be visualized
Why does the following bug not gram stain well?: Rickettsia
Intracellular parasite
Why does the following bug not gram stain well?: Mycobacteria
high-lipid-content cell wall
Why does the following bug not gram stain well?: Mycoplasma
No cell wall
Why does the following bug not gram stain well?: Legionella pneumophila
Primarily intracellular
Why does the following bug not gram stain well?: Chlamydia
Intracellular parasite which lacks muramic acid in cell wall
How is the following bug visualized?: Treponema
- Darkfield microscopy
- Fluorescent antibody staining
- silver stain
Why does the following bug not gram stain well?: Mycobacteria
Acid fast for high lipid content cell wall
What are the stages of bacterial growth and what are their relative lengths?
- Lag phase: x
- Log phase: 1.5x
- Stationary phase: 2.5x
- Death phase: 4x
What happens in the following phase of bacterial growth, and where does it fall in the order?: Lag
1st phase: Metabolic activity without division
What happens in the following phase of bacterial growth, and where does it fall in the order?: Log
2nd phase: Rapid cell division
What happens in the following phase of bacterial growth, and where does it fall in the order?: Stationary
3rd phase: Nutrient depletion slows growth
What happens in the following phase of bacterial growth, and where does it fall in the order?: Death
4th phase: Prolonged nutrient depletion and buildup of waste products leads to death
Bacterial endotoxins and exotoxins: Source?
Exotoxin: Certain species of gram positive and gram negative bacteria
Endotoxin: Cell wall of most gram-negative bacteria
Bacterial endotoxins and exotoxins: Secreted from cell?
Exotoxin: Yes
Endotoxin: No
Bacterial endotoxins and exotoxins: Chemistry
Exotoxin: Polypeptide
Endotoxin: Lipopolysaccharide
Bacterial endotoxins and exotoxins: Location of genes
Exotoxin: Plasmid or bacteriophage
Endotoxin: Bacterial chromosome
Bacterial endotoxins and exotoxins: Toxicity (fatal dosage)
Exotoxin: High (fatal dose on the order of 1 microgram)
Endotoxin: Low (fatal dose on the order of hundreds of micrograms)
Bacterial endotoxins and exotoxins: Clinical effects
Exotoxin: Toxin specific
Endotoxin: Fever and shock
Bacterial endotoxins and exotoxins: Mode of action
Exotoxin: Toxin specific
Endotoxin: Includes TNF and IL-1
Bacterial endotoxins and exotoxins: Antigenicity
Exotoxin: Induces high-titer antibodies called antitoxins
Endotoxin: Poorly antigenic
Bacterial endotoxins and exotoxins: Vaccines
Exotoxin: Toxoids used as vaccines
Endotoxin: No toxoids formed and no vaccine available
Bacterial endotoxins and exotoxins: Heat stability
Exotoxin: Destroyed rapidly at 60 degrees celsius (except Staphylococcal enterotoxin)
Endotoxin: Stable at 100 degrees celsius for 1 hour
Bacterial endotoxins and exotoxins: Typical diseases
Exotoxin: Tetanus, botulism, diphtheria
Endotoxin: Meningococcemia, sepsis by gram negative rods
Mechanism of superantigens
- Bind directly to MHC II and T cell receptor
- Large numbers of T cells are activated.
- Stimulates release of IFN-gamma and IL-2
Mechanism of ADP ribosylating A-B toxins
Interfere with host cell function
- B (binding) component binds to a receptor on surface of host cell.
- The toxin is endocytosed.
- A (active) component attaches an ADP-ribosyl to a host cell protein.
- That protein’s function is altered.
List of bugs that release superantigens
- Staphylococcus aureus
2. Streptococcus pyogenes
List of bugs that release ADP ribosylating A-B toxins
- Corynebacterium diphtheriae
- Vibrio cholerae
- E. coli
- Bordetella pertussis
What to know about exotoxins released by Staphylococcus aureus
Superantigens
- TSST-1 causes toxic shock syndrome (fever, rash, shock).
- Enterotoxins cause food poisoning.
What to know about exotoxins released by Streptococcus pyogenes
Scarlet fever (superantigen)
- Erythrogenic
- Causes toxic shock-like syndrome
Streptolysin O (hemolysin). The antigen for ASO antibody is found in rheumatic fever
What to know about exotoxins released by Corynebacterium diphtheriae
ADP ribosylating A-B toxin (similar to Pseudomonas exotoxin A)
Encoded by beta-prophage
Disease: Pseudomembranous pharyngitis (grayish-white membrane) with lymphadenopathy
Mechanism: Inactivates elongation factor 2 (EF-2)
Mnemonic: ABCDEFG ADP ribosylation Beta-prophage Corynebacterium Diphtheriae Elongation Factor 2 Granules (metachromatic)
What to know about exotoxins released by Vibrio cholerae
- A-B toxin ADP ribosylates Gs protein thus:
- Permanently activates Gs protein
- Constant stimulation of adenylyl cyclase which:
- Increases pumping of Cl into gut
- H2O follows it
- Leads to rice water diarrhea
What to know about exotoxins released by E. coli
E.coli 0157:H7 produces Shiga toxin.
ADP ribosylating A-B toxins
Heat-labile: Permanent activation of adenylyl cyclase (cholera-like mechanism) leading to watery diarrhea
Heat-stabile: Stimulates guanylate cyclase
Mnemonic: Labile like the Air, Stabile like the Ground.
What to know about exotoxins released by Bordetella pertussis
- ADP ribosylating A-B toxin
- Permanently disables Gi
- Constant stimulation of adenylate cyclase
- Causes whooping cough
- Also inhibits chemokine receptor causing lymphocytosis
What to know about exotoxins released by Clostridium perfringens
alpha toxin (aka lecithinase) causes:
- gas gangrene
- myonecrosis
- hemolysis (See double zone of hemolysis on blood agar.)
PERFringens PERForates a gangrenous leg.
What to know about exotoxin released by Clostridium botulinum
Properties:
- Preformed
- Heat-labile
Mechanism:
Blocks the release of acetylcholine causing:
1. anticholinergic symptoms
2. CNS paralysis (especially cranial nerves)
3. Floppy baby syndrome
BOTulinum is from bad BOTtles of food and honey and sausage (causes flaccid paralysis)
What to know about exotoxins released by Clostridium tetani
Blocks the release of inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine from Renshaw cells in the spinal cord. Causes “lockjaw”
What to know about exotoxins released by Bacillus anthracis
1 toxin in the toxin complex is edema factor, an adenylate cyclase
What to know about exotoxins released by Shigella
Shiga toxin (also produced by E.coli 0157:H7).
Cleaves host cell rRNA. Also enhances cytokine release causing hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Endotoxin: What is it and where is it found?
Lipopolysaccharide found in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Heat stable.
Endotoxin: What does it activate and what do they release?
- Macrophages (IL-1, TNF, Nitric oxide)
- Alternative complement pathway (C3a, C5a)
- Hageman factor (Coagulation cascade)
What mediators are released when endotoxin activates macrophages, and what do they do?
- IL-1: Fever
- TNF: Fever and Hemorrhagic tissue necrosis
- Nitric Oxide: Hypotension (shock)
What mediators are released when endotoxin activates the alternative complement cascade, and what do they do?
- C3a: Hypotension and edema
2. C5a: Neutrophil chemotaxis
What mediators are released when endotoxin activates Hageman factor, and what do they do?
Coagulation cascade: Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy
What method is used to differentiate Neisseria?
Sugar fermentation
What do meningococci ferment?
MeninGococci ferment Maltose and Glucose
What do gonococci ferment?
Gonococci ferments Glucose
What are the pigment producing bacteria and what pigments do they produce?
Staphylococcus aureus: Yellow pigment (Aureus means gold in Latin)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: blue-green pigment
Serratia marcescens: red pigment (think red maraschino cherries)
Special culture requirements for: Hemophilus influenzae
Chocolate agar with factors V (NAD) and X (hematin)
Mnemonic: When a child has “flu” mom goes to five (V) and dime (X) to buy some chocolate.
Special culture requirements for: Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Thayer-Martin media
Special culture requirements for: Bordetella pertussis
Bordet-Gengou (potato) agar
Special culture requirements for: M. tuberculosis
Lowenstein-Jensen agar
Special culture requirements for: Lactose-fermenting enteric bacteria
Pink colonies on MacConkey’s agar
Special culture requirements for: Legionella
Charcoal yeast extract agar buffered with increased iron and cysteine
Special culture requirements for: Fungi
Sabouraud’s agar
What microbes can be stained with: Congo red
Amyloid. Apple-green birefringence in polarized light (because of beta-pleated sheets)
What microbes can be stained with: Giemsa’s
- Borrelia
- Plasmodium
- Trypanosomes
- Chlamydia
What microbes can be stained with: periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)
Glycogen and mucopolysaccharides. Used to diagnose Whipple’s disease
What microbes can be stained with: Ziehl-Neelsen
Acid-fast bacteria.
What microbes can be stained with: India ink
Cryptococcus neoformans
What microbes can be stained with: Silver stain
- Fungi
- PCP (Pneumocystis Pneumonia)
- Legionella
- Treponema
For the following genetic transfer procedure, explain the process: Conjugation
Direct cell to cell DNA transfer
For the following genetic transfer procedure, explain the process: Transduction
Phage-mediated cell to cell DNA transfer
For the following genetic transfer procedure, explain the process: Transformation
Purified DNA taken up by a cell
For the following genetic transfer procedure, explain the processd: Transposition
DNA transfer to same or another chromosome or plasmid WITHIN a cell
For the following genetic transfer procedure, give the types of cells involved: Conjugation
Prokaryotic
For the following genetic transfer procedure, give the types of cells involved: Transduction
Prokaryotic
For the following genetic transfer procedure, give the types of cells involved: Transformation
Prokaryotic or eukaryotic
For the following genetic transfer procedure, give the types of cells involved: Transposition
Prokaryotic or eukaryotic
For the following genetic transfer procedure, give the nature of DNA transferred: Conjugation
Chromosomal or plasmid
For the following genetic transfer procedure, give the nature of DNA transferred: Transduction
Generalized transduction: Any gene
Specialized transduction: Only certain genes
For the following genetic transfer procedure, give the nature of DNA transferred: Transformation
Any DNA
For the following genetic transfer procedure, give the nature of DNA transferred: Transposition
DNA sequences “jumping genes”
What is lysogeny?
When the genetic code for a bacterial toxin is encoded in a lysogenic phage.
Name 4 lysogenic toxins.
BCDE
- Botulinum
- Cholera
- Diphtheria
- Erythrogenic toxin of Streptococcus Pyogenes
List four obligate aerobes.
Nocardia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bacillus
Mnemonic: Nagging Pests Must Breathe
Where in the lung does M. tuberculosis prefer, and why?
Apices of the lung, as they have the highest PO2.