Pathogenic Bacteria Overview

Chapter 19: Gram Positive Pathogenic Bacteria

Chapter Summary:

  • Pages: 581-583

  • Bacteria in this chapter:
        1. Staphylococcus species:
            - Staphylococcus aureus
            - Staphylococcus epidermidis
        2. Streptococcus species:
            - Streptococcus pyogenes
            - Streptococcus agalactiae
            - Streptococcus pneumoniae
        3. Enterococcus species:
            - Enterococcus faecalis
        4. Bacillus species:
            - Bacillus anthracis
        5. Clostridium species:
            - Clostridium difficile
            - Clostridium botulinum
            - Clostridium tetani
            - Clostridium perfringens
        6. Listeria species:
            - Listeria monocytogenes
        7. Mycoplasma species:
            - Mycoplasma pneumoniae
        8. Corynebacterium species:
            - Corynebacterium diphtheriae
        9. Mycobacterium species:
            - Mycobacterium tuberculosis
            - Mycobacterium leprae

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify examples of pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria.

  2. Identify features (structures, enzymes, and toxins) contributing to virulence in Staphylococcus aureus.

  3. Differentiate Staphylococci from Streptococci, and recognize infections and diseases caused by each:
        - Staphylococcus is known for skin infections, while Streptococcus can cause throat infections.

  4. Analyze and classify streptococcal strains causing various diseases utilizing the Lancefield groups:
        - The Lancefield classification groups streptococci based on carbohydrate composition of antigens found on the bacteria's cell wall.

  5. Know basics of how each disease is transmitted, treated, and prevented (not specific antibiotics though):
        - Transmission often occurs through person-to-person contact or contaminated surfaces.
        - Prevention strategies may include vaccinations and proper hygiene.

  6. Know the unique characteristics of each disease (related to the name of the bacteria and disease it causes):
        - For example, Mycobacterium leprae causes leprosy.

Chapter 20: Gram Negative Pathogenic Bacteria

Chapter Summary:

  • Pages: 615-616

  • Bacteria in this chapter:
        1. Neisseria species:
            - Neisseria gonorrhoeae
            - Neisseria meningitidis
        2. Escherichia coli
        3. Klebsiella pneumoniae
        4. Serratia marcescens
        5. Enterobacter species
        6. Proteus mirabilis
        7. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi
        8. Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium
        9. Shigella sonnei
        10. Yersinia pestis
        11. Haemophilus influenzae
        12. Bartonella henselae
        13. Brucella melitensis
        14. Bordetella pertussis
        15. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
        16. Francisella tularensis
        17. Legionella pneumophila
        18. Coxiella burnetii

Learning Objectives:

  1. Know which is cocci or bacilli, and unique characteristics of each bacilli:
        - For instance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces a blue-green pigment called pyocyanin.

  2. Know basics of how each disease is transmitted, treated, and prevented (not specific antibiotics though):
        - Transmission methods include direct contact and environmental exposure.

  3. Know the unique characteristics of each disease:
        - For example, Bordetella pertussis causes pertussis or whooping cough.

Chapter 21: Rickettsias, Spirochetes, Chlamydias, Vibrios

Chapter Summary:

  • Pages: 642-643

  • Organisms in this chapter:
        1. Rickettsia rickettsii
        2. Chlamydia trachomatis
        3. Treponema pallidum
        4. Borrelia burgdorferi
        5. Leptospira interrogans
        6. Vibrio cholerae
        7. Campylobacter jejuni
        8. Helicobacter pylori

Learning Objectives:

  1. Know which disease each organism causes:
        - Identify associated diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever for Rickettsia rickettsii.

  2. Know basics of how each disease is transmitted, treated, and prevented (not specific antibiotics though):
        - Transmission may involve vectors like ticks or contaminated food and water.

  3. Know the unique characteristics of each disease:
        - For example, Helicobacter pylori causes peptic ulcers and gastritis.