Diseases and Toxins

Flashcards about diseases and toxins.

Diphtheria

A disease caused by exotoxins, leading cause of death in children in the USA prior to 1935, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a G+ bacillus, found in throats of asymptomatic carriers, airborne transmission.

Scarlet Fever

A disease caused by exotoxins, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, involves Erythrogenic toxin damaging blood capillaries, producing a red skin rash and high fever due to a prophage.

Botulism

A disease caused by exotoxins, caused by Clostridium botulinum, an obligate anaerobe, endospore forming Gram + bacillus found in soil, involves a neurotoxin causing progressive flaccid paralysis.

Tetanus

A disease caused by exotoxins, caused by Clostridium tetani, an obligate anaerobe, endospore-forming Gram-positive bacillus, tetanospasmin blocks muscle relaxation, leading to lockjaw and muscle contractions.

Cholera

Disease caused by exotoxins produced by Vibrio cholerae; Cholera toxin causes cells to secrete large amounts of fluids and electrolytes (chlorides, bicarbonates) leading to severe diarrhea.

Scalded Skin Syndrome

Disease caused by exotoxins produced by Lysogenized Staphylococcus aureus; Skin peels off in sheets and vigorous antibiotic treatment is needed.

Endotoxins

Lipid A part of the outer membrane of the cell wall of Gram – bacteria that releases during active multiplication and when the cells die, stimulating macrophages to release cytokines, causing fever, weakness, and shock.

Endotoxic Shock

Severe drop in BP due to high number of bacteria due to phagocytosis of bacteria that causes release of Tumor Necrosis Factor.