Spore Forming Rods and Bacterial Infections

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to spore-forming rods, their associated diseases, and essential terms related to bacterial infections.

What is the causative agent of anthrax?

Bacillus Anthracis.

What is a characteristic feature of Bacillus Anthracis?

It possesses a unique protein capsule.

What is the function of the protein capsule in Bacillus Anthracis?

It is antiphagocytic.

What growth conditions does Bacillus Anthracis require?

Aerobic growth conditions.

What are exotoxins?

Strong toxins that cause disease.

Which bacterial genera are known to release exotoxins?

Bacillus and Clostridium.

What is Edema Factor (EF) a component of?

Bacillus Anthracis Exotoxin.

What is the role of Edema Factor (EF)?

It is involved in fluid accumulation.

What is Protective Antigen (PA) a component of?

Bacillus Anthracis Exotoxin.

What is the role of Protective Antigen (PA)?

It facilitates the entry of lethal factors.

What is Lethal Factor (LF) a component of?

Bacillus Anthracis Exotoxin.

What is the role of Lethal Factor (LF)?

It contributes to its lethality.

What is a plasmid?

A small DNA molecule within a cell that is physically separated from chromosomal DNA.

How do plasmids replicate?

They can replicate independently.

What do plasmids contain for Bacillus Anthracis?

Virulence factors.

What disease does Clostridium Botulinum cause?

Rapidly fatal food poisoning.

What is the mechanism by which Clostridium Botulinum causes disease?

Due to its lethal neurotoxin.

How does the botulinum neurotoxin affect the body?

It blocks acetylcholine release.

What is the consequence of botulinum neurotoxin blocking acetylcholine release?

It leads to muscle paralysis.

What causes Tetanus?

Clostridium Tetani.

What characterizes the disease Tetanus?

Sustained contractions of skeletal muscles.

What exotoxin is responsible for Tetanus symptoms?

Tetanospasmin.

What condition does Clostridium Difficile cause?

Antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis.

How does Clostridium Difficile cause disease?

By releasing toxins.

Under what conditions does Clostridium Difficile release toxins?

After the normal intestinal flora is destroyed.

What is the causative agent of listeriosis?

Listeria Monocytogenes.

Who is particularly at risk from Listeria Monocytogenes?

Immunocompromised individuals.

What disease does Corynebacterium diptheriae cause?

Diphtheria.

What is a characteristic of Corynebacterium diptheriae infection in the body?

Colonization of the pharynx.

What happens after Corynebacterium diptheriae colonizes the pharynx?

Toxin release into the bloodstream.

Which enterotoxin from Bacillus Cereus is responsible for severe nausea and food poisoning?

Heat Stable Enterotoxin.

Which enterotoxin from Bacillus Cereus causes nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea?

Heat Liable Enterotoxin.

What type of infection is Gas Gangrene?

An infection caused by Clostridium Perfringens.

What are the characteristics of Gas Gangrene?

Necrotic tissue and 'crackly pockets' of gas.