Gram Positive Bacilli Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering the identification, pathophysiology, and treatment of Gram-positive bacilli such as B. anthracis, B. cereus, and Listeria.

Bacillus anthracis capsule

Composed of a polypeptide capsule.

M'Fadyean test

Used for the detection and visualization of the Bacillus anthracis capsule.

Medussa head

Description used for the characteristic colony morphology of Bacillus anthracis.

B.cereus (Early Emetic)

Form of food poisoning often associated with Chinese food and rapid onset of symptoms.

B.cereus (Late Diarrhoeal)

The form of B.cereus infection characterized by a delayed onset of diarrheal symptoms.

Ascoli test

A ring precipitation (ppt) test used to identify B.anthracis.

Rx for Bacillus anthracis

Fluoroquinolones (FQ), Doxycycline (Doxy), Raxibacumab, or Obiltoxaximab.

PLET

Selective media used for the growth of B.anthracis.

MYPA

Selective media used for the growth of B.cereus.

Inverted fir tree

The specific growth appearance of B.anthracis in a gelatin stab culture.

Eschar

A characteristic skin lesion (black crust) seen in cutaneous anthrax.

Hemorrhagic mediastinitis

A severe, life-threatening complication associated with inhalational anthrax.

Listeria motility characteristics

Displays tumbling motility and is differentiated by growth at $22\,^{\circ}\text{C}$ but not at $37\,^{\circ}\text{C}$.

Rocket tails

Structures formed by Listeria via actin polymerization for movement within and between host cells.

Anton test

A test used for the identification of Listeria involving ocular inoculation.

PALCAM

A specialized culture medium used for the isolation of Listeria.

Listeria transmission sources

Unpasteurized milk products, deli meats, or transplacental transmission.

Listeria Meningitis

A condition commonly seen in individuals at the extremes of ages (neonates and elderly).

Ampicillin

The Drug of Choice (DOC) for treating Listeria infections.