Bacterial Pathogens Lecture Notes

These flashcards summarize key concepts and terminology from the study of various bacterial pathogens, their characteristics, virulence factors, and associated diseases.

Staphylococcus aureus

A species of bacteria known for its roles in skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, and more, with virulence factors such as coagulase and hemolysins.

Virulence factors

Characteristics of a microbe that enhance its ability to cause disease.

Catalase test

A laboratory test used to determine the presence of the enzyme catalase; positive result indicates bubbling when hydrogen peroxide is added.

Hemolysin

A toxin produced by certain bacteria that destroys red blood cells.

Coagulase

An enzyme produced by some strains of Staphylococcus that causes blood plasma to clot.

Streptococcus pyogenes

A species responsible for diseases such as pharyngitis and rheumatic fever, classified as a beta-hemolytic streptococcus.

M-proteins

Surface proteins that help bacteria avoid phagocytosis and are used in the diagnosis of Streptococcus pyogenes.

Neisseria meningitidis

A bacteria known for causing meningitis, identifiable by its morphology of G- diplococci and its virulence factors like endotoxins.

Enterotoxins

Toxins produced by bacteria that affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A prevalent bacterial pathogen known for nosocomial infections, characterized by its production of a variety of pigments and resistance to many antibiotics.

Escherichia coli

A species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines, some strains of which can cause foodborne illnesses and urinary tract infections.

Salmonella typhi

A bacteria that causes typhoid fever, known for its ability to invade intestinal cells and spread throughout the body.

Shigella dysenteriae

A species responsible for shigellosis, characterized by its production of Shiga toxin and causing severe dysentery.

Clostridium tetani

The causative agent of tetanus, producing neurotoxins responsible for muscle spasms and rigidity.

Diphtheria toxin

A toxin produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae that inhibits protein synthesis in host cells.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The bacterium that causes tuberculosis, which can lead to pulmonary as well as extrapulmonary diseases.

Treponema pallidum

The bacterium that causes syphilis, notable for its spiral shape and inability to be cultivated in vitro.

Francisella tularensis

The bacteria responsible for tularemia, known for its virulence and transmission through various animal vectors.

Bacillus anthracis

The bacterium that causes anthrax, characterized by its spore-forming ability and pathogenic potential in various forms.

Enterobacteriaceae

A family of bacteria that includes important pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella.