clostridium

What causes botulism?

Clostridium botulinum

What are the characteristics of clostridium botulinum?

• gram-positive

• Anaerobic

• Spore-forming

• Rod-shaped

What actually causes illness in botulism?

A paralytic toxin affecting motor neurons

When does C.botulinum produce toxin?

Under anaerobic conditions

What causes foodborne botulism?

Eating toxin in improperly canned/low-acid foods

Examples of risky foods for botulism?

Green beans, corn, beets

What are symptoms of foodborne botulism?

Muscle weakness and paralysis

Who is affected by infant botulism?

Infants under six months

Common source of infant botulism?

Honey

Why are infants more susceptible to botulism?

Immature gut microbiota allows bacterial growth

What causes wound botulism?

Bacteria infecting deep wounds in anaerobic conditions

Who is at higher risk for wound botulism?

Injection drugs users

What is Botox?

Controlled use of botulinum toxin for medical/cosmetic purposes

What are medical uses of Botox?

• reduce wrinkles

• Treat migraines

What causes tetanus?

Clostridium tetani

Where is clostridium tetani found?

Soil, dust, animal feces

What causes tetanus symptoms?

Tetanospasmin toxin

How does tetanus affect the body?

Causes muscle stiffness and spasms

What is the common early symptom of tetanus?

Lockjaw

Why is tetanus life-threatening?

Can cause respiratory failure

Is there a cure for tetanus?

No, only preventative treatment

How can tetanus be prevented?

Vaccination (boosters every ten years)

What causes gas gangrene?

Clostridium perfringens

What toxin is produced in gas gangrene?

Perfringolysin

How does perfringolysin damage cells

Forms pores in cell membranes → cell death

What are symptoms of gas gangrene?

• tissue necrosis

• Swelling

• Fever

• Gas production

Why is gas produced in gas gangrene?

Anaerobic fermentation of carbohydrates

How is gas gangrene treated?

Removal of infected tissue (amputation) and antibiotics

Can C. Perfringens also cause food poisoning?

Yes

What is C.diff?

Clostridioides difficile?

What are characteristics of c.diff?

• gram-positive

• Anaerobic

• Spore-forming

How is c.diff transmitted?

Fecal-oral route

Who is most at risk for c.diff?

• elderly

• Recent antibiotic users

• Hospitalized patients

Why does c.diff often occur after antibiotics?

Normal gut microbiota is reduced

What does c.diff produce that causes disease?

Toxins that damage the colon

What are symptoms of c.diff?

• diarrhea

• Dehydration

• Colitis

• Sepsis

• Bowel perforation

How is c.diff diagnosed?

• stool culture

• Molecular testing

How is c.diff treated?

• antibiotics

• Rehydration

• Fecal transplant

What is a fecal transplant?

Transferring healthy gut bacteria to restore microbiota balance

What precautions are used for c.diff?

Standard and contact precautions

What do all clostridium-related diseases have in common?

• anaerobic

• Spore-forming

• Toxin-mediated disease

Why are clostridium infections often severe?

Their toxins cause major damage to nerves or tissues