VIBRIO, AEROMONAS, CAMPYLOBACTER Flashcards
What are the general characteristics of Vibrio species?
Gram-negative, curved rods, facultative anaerobes, oxidase-positive, and often found in aquatic environments.
How is Vibrio cholerae transmitted?
Through contaminated water and food, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
What are the key pathogenic Vibrio species?
Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus.
What is the primary disease caused by Vibrio cholerae?
Cholera, characterized by severe watery diarrhea (“rice-water stools”).
What is the main virulence factor of Vibrio cholerae?
Cholera toxin (CTX), which leads to excessive fluid loss.
What type of medium is used for Vibrio culture?
Thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar
What is the hallmark symptom of Vibrio vulnificus infection?
Severe wound infections and septicemia
How is Vibrio vulnificus acquired?
Through exposure to seawater or ingestion of contaminated seafood.
What differentiates Vibrio parahaemolyticus from other Vibrio species?
It causes gastroenteritis often associated with raw or undercooked seafood.
What is the Kanagawa phenomenon?
Hemolysis of human red blood cells caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
What is the preferred treatment for severe Vibrio infections?
Doxycycline or fluoroquinolones.
What are the general characteristics of Aeromonas species?
Gram-negative, facultative anaerobes, found in fresh and brackish water.
What are the primary diseases caused by Aeromonas species?
Gastroenteritis, wound infections, and septicemia.
How can Aeromonas infections be acquired?
Through contaminated water or food, or direct wound exposure.
What is the most clinically significant Aeromonas species?
Aeromonas hydrophila.
What virulence factors contribute to Aeromonas pathogenicity?
Hemolysins, enterotoxins, and adhesins.
What is the treatment for severe Aeromonas infections?
Fluoroquinolones or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
What are the general characteristics of Campylobacter species?
Gram-negative, curved rods, microaerophilic, and motile.
What is the most common Campylobacter species causing human disease?
Campylobacter jejuni.
What is the primary disease caused by Campylobacter jejuni?
Gastroenteritis with diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
What is a serious complication associated with Campylobacter infection?
Guillain-Barré syndrome.
What type of culture medium is used for Campylobacter species?
Campylobacter Blood-Free Selective Agar (CAMPY-BAP).
What temperature favors Campylobacter growth?
42°C (optimal for Campylobacter jejuni).
What are the primary virulence factors of Campylobacter jejuni?
lagella, adhesins, and cytolethal distending toxin (CDT).
