Normal Flora & Biofilms Flashcards
1
Q
Firmicutes
A
Phylum of Gram + bacteria
2
Q
Proteobacteria
A
Phylum of Gram - bacteria
3
Q
C. difficile
A
Form spores during antibiotic treatment. Antibiotic wipes out normal gut flora allowing the spores to vegetate and c. diff to predominate causing disease.
4
Q
Important Normal Flora
A
- Skin - Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Nose - Staphylococcus aureus
- Vagina - Lactobacillus spp.
- GI tract - bacteroidetes, firmicutes, e. coli, and clostridium spp.
5
Q
Biofilm
A
AKA. Exopolysacchrides secreted by bacteria beyond cell envelope onto the surface.
- Provides attachment onto surface
- provides protection against host defense and antibiotics.
6
Q
sessile
A
Bacteria growing in a biofilm
7
Q
planktonic
A
Free-floating or motile bacteria not growing in a biofilm.
