Bacillus Species Overview
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Questions and Answers

Bacillus species are anaerobic, gram-negative rods.

False (B)

Most members of the Bacillus genus are saprophytic organisms.

True (A)

What is the name of the insect pathogen found in soil, water, and air that can also cause disease in humans?

B. Thuringiensis

What are the two forms of food poisoning caused by B cereus?

<p>Emetic and Diarrheal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the incubation period for the diarrheal form of B cereus food poisoning?

<p>1-24 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

B cereus is resistant to a variety of antimicrobial agents, including penicillins and cephalosporins.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Anthrax is primarily a disease of herbivores.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Humans can become infected with anthrax by inhaling spores.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Anthrax toxins are made up of four proteins.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Bacillus

A genus of bacteria that includes large, aerobic, gram-positive rods that occur in chains.

Virulence Plasmids

A virulence factor that allows certain Bacillus species to cause disease.

Bacillus subtilis

A Bacillus species that is commonly found in soil, water, and air.

Bacillus thuringiensis

A Bacillus species that infects insects and can sometimes cause disease in humans.

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Bacillus cereus

A Bacillus species that causes food poisoning by producing toxins that lead to vomiting or diarrhea.

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Bacillus anthracis

The primary pathogen of the genus Bacillus, causing anthrax.

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Anthrax Spores

Resistant structures produced by Bacillus anthracis that can survive harsh environments.

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Autoclaving

The process of killing bacteria and their spores using high heat and pressure.

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Anthrax

A disease primarily affecting herbivores, particularly goats, sheep, and cattle, caused by Bacillus anthracis.

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Anthrax transmission

The most common way humans contract anthrax by coming into contact with infected animals or their products.

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Portal of entry for anthrax

The mechanism by which Bacillus anthracis enters the body, usually through the skin, digestive system, or respiratory system.

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Spore germination in anthrax

The stage of anthrax infection where Bacillus anthracis spores germinate and start multiplying.

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Gelatinous edema and congestion in anthrax

The fluid build-up and congestion that occur at the site of anthrax infection.

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Bacilli spread via lymphatics

The spread of Bacillus anthracis from the initial infection site to the bloodstream.

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Non-virulent Bacillus anthracis

Strains of Bacillus anthracis that lack a capsule and are not capable of causing anthrax.

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Poly-α-d-glutamic acid capsule

A protective layer surrounding Bacillus anthracis that prevents it from being destroyed by the immune system.

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Anthrax toxins

Toxic substances produced by Bacillus anthracis that contribute to the severity of the disease.

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Protective Antigen (PA)

One of the three components of anthrax toxin that binds to specific receptors on cells.

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Edema Factor (EF)

A component of anthrax toxin that causes edema.

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Lethal Factor (LF)

A component of anthrax toxin that is responsible for the lethality of anthrax.

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Active Immunity to Anthrax

The process of generating immunity to anthrax by exposing the body to a weakened form of the bacteria.

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Live attenuated Bacillus anthrax vaccine

A type of anthrax vaccine that uses live but weakened Bacillus anthracis.

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Spore suspension anthrax vaccine

A type of anthrax vaccine that uses spores of Bacillus anthracis.

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PA from culture filtrates anthrax vaccine

A type of anthrax vaccine that uses only the Protective Antigen (PA) from Bacillus anthracis.

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Recombinant PA (rPA) anthrax vaccine

A type of anthrax vaccine that is made using genetic engineering techniques.

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Antibiotic treatment for anthrax

The use of antibiotics to treat anthrax.

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Ciprofloxacin

An antibiotic commonly used to treat anthrax.

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Prophylaxis for Anthrax

The process of preventing anthrax infection by taking antibiotics or getting vaccinated.

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Emetic type food poisoning

A type of food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus that leads to vomiting.

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Diarrheal type food poisoning

A type of food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus that leads to diarrhea.

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Emetic toxin

A toxin produced by Bacillus cereus that causes vomiting.

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Study Notes

Bacillus Species

  • Bacillus includes large, aerobic, gram-positive rods, often in chains
  • Members are closely related but differ in pathogenicity
  • Some species are saprophytes found in soil, water, air, and vegetation (e.g., Bacillus subtilis)
  • Pathogenic species have virulence plasmids
  • Some cause disease in humans (e.g., B. cereus)
  • B. cereus can cause food poisoning, producing toxins that lead to diarrhea or vomiting
  • B. cereus and B. thuringiensis can cause disease in immunocompromised individuals
  • B. anthracis is a significant pathogen, causing anthrax
  • B. anthracis spores reside in the center of the bacilli; they're highly resistant to environmental factors (e.g., heat, chemicals), and can survive for years in dry earth
  • Anthrax is primarily a disease of herbivores; other animals like rats are less susceptible
  • Humans can be infected by contact with infected animals or their products

Bacillus anthracis

  • Portal of entry in animals is the mouth and gastrointestinal tract
  • Spores can easily be ingested with spiny or irritating vegetation
  • Anthrax is acquired in humans through breaks in skin (cutaneous), mucous membranes (gastrointestinal), or by inhaling spores (inhalation)
  • Spores germinate in the infected area and growth causes edema and congestion
  • B. anthracis spreads via lymphatic system to the bloodstream, and then tissues
  • Non-capsulated B. anthracis strains are not virulent
  • The capsule of anthrax is made of poly-a-d-glutamic acid and prevents phagocytosis
  • Anthrax toxin consists of three proteins: protective antigen (PA), edema factor (EF), and lethal factor (LF)

Anthrax Toxin

  • PA binds to specific cell receptors
  • After activation, PA forms a channel, allowing EF and LF to enter the cell
  • EF acts as adenylate cyclase, leading to edema formation
  • LF plus PA combine to form lethal toxin, a major virulence factor and cause of death

Anthrax resistance and Immunity

  • Active immunity in susceptible animals can be developed via vaccination
  • Vaccination using live attenuated bacilli, spore suspensions or PA from culture filtrates can induce immunity

Bacillus cereus

  • Food poisoning due to Bacillus cereus occurs in two forms: emetic and diarrheal type
  • Emetic type is associated with rice, milk, and pasta.
  • Diarrheal type is associated with meat and/or sauces.
  • Food borne toxin production rather than an infection
  • Emetic form causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, within 1-5 hours post ingestion
  • Diarrheal form causes diarrhea and related symptoms within 6-15 hours post ingestion
  • B. cereus is resistant to certain antibiotics (e.g., penicillin and cephalosporins)
  • Serious non-food borne infections are treated with vancomycin or clindamycin, with or without an aminoglycoside; and ciprofloxacin can be helpful for wound infections

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Description

Explore the characteristics and pathogenicity of Bacillus species in this quiz. Learn about saprophytes, pathogenic members like Bacillus anthracis, and their roles in human diseases. Test your knowledge on food poisoning and the nature of anthrax.

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