Tetanus and Botulism (Exam #3) Flashcards
What genus do both Tetanus and Botulism come from?
Clostridium
- C. tetani
- C. botulinum
What is the treatment for both Tetanus and Botulism?
NEUTRALIZE TOXIN via antitoxins
- Toxins are the problem, not the bacteria
How do symptoms of toxins present differently from bacteria?
Toxins = NEVER have fever
- No bacteria means no inflammation = no fever
What organism involves terminal spores?
Clostridium tetani
- Tetanus
What organism involves subterminal spores?
Clostridium botulinum
- Botulism
What organism involves a plasid-mediated toxin?
Clostridium tetani
- Tetanus
What organism involves a toxin on chromosomes?
Clostridium botulinum
- Botulism
Between Tetanus and Botulism, which can be prevented with vaccination?
Clostridium tetani
- Tetanus
What is the most potent Clostridium botulinum (Botulism) serotype, and how is it treated?
H serotype
- NO antitoxin so can’t be treated…
What condition involves lockjaw/trismus?
Clostridium tetani
- Tetanus
What condition involves “risus sardonicus”?
Clostridium tetani
- Tetanus
What is the primary difference between symptom presentation with Tetanus and Botulism?
- Clostridium tetani (Tetanus) = unopposed muscle contraction
- Clostridium botulinum (Botulism) = flaccid paralysis with NO contraction
What are the three transmission routes of Clostridium botulinum (Botulism)?
- Infants (honey)
- Foodborne (canned foods)
- Wounds (consider IVDU)
What are the three types of Clostridium tetani (Tetanus), and which is most common?
- Generalized = MOST common
- Localized
- Cephalic
What are three important characteristics of all Clostridium spp. (4)?
- G+
- Obligate anaerobe
- VF of spores and endotoxins
