Bacteriology: Corynebacterium and Bacillus Species

A bacteria commonly found in soil and water. It can cause food poisoning and opportunistic infections. Pasteurization does not kill its spores.

A bacteria responsible for the infectious disease diphtheria. It produces a toxin that can cause serious illness.

The toxin produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It's a key virulence factor that causes the symptoms of diphtheria.

A bacterial species that is known to cause food poisoning. It's often associated with fried rice, hence its common name - "Fried rice poisoning".

The way a disease spreads from one person to another. For diphtheria, it's usually through respiratory droplets or direct contact with skin lesions.

A type of bacteria commonly found on human skin, often associated with prosthetic joint infections.

A specific species of Corynebacterium known to cause prosthetic valve endocarditis in adults.

A species of Corynebacterium associated with infections in cattle, particularly mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland).

A species of Corynebacterium that can cause opportunistic infections in humans.

A species of Corynebacterium linked to urinary tract infections.

A species of Corynebacterium associated with lymphadenitis (inflammation of lymph nodes) in humans, often following contact with infected livestock.

A species of Corynebacterium that can cause diphtheria-like infections in humans.

A method used to stain Corynebacterium bacteria, often using methylene blue dye.

A type of bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterized by the formation of a thick, gray membrane in the throat, which can obstruct breathing.

A form of diphtheria affecting the tonsils and pharynx, often causing high fever and a thick membrane in the throat.

A form of diphtheria affecting the skin, characterized by non-healing ulcers, especially in diabetic patients.

A type of bacterial infection caused by Clostridium botulinum, characterized by muscle paralysis, often affecting the muscles involved in swallowing and breathing.

A type of food poisoning caused by Clostridium botulinum, where the toxin enters the body through contaminated food.

A type of bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, characterized by characteristic skin lesions, often resembling a painless black ulcer.

A form of anthrax where the bacteria infect the skin, resulting in a painless black ulcer.

A form of anthrax where the bacteria enter the body through inhalation, causing severe respiratory problems.

A form of anthrax where the bacteria infect the digestive system, often through consuming contaminated meat.

The ability of a bacterium to survive in the presence of oxygen.

Gram-positive, spore-forming bacilli. These bacteria are aerobic or facultative anaerobes, meaning they can grow with or without oxygen. They are also catalase-positive, meaning they produce the enzyme catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide. They are commonly found in the environment as contaminants.

A species of Bacillus known for its ability to form spores, causing various illnesses like anthrax. Anthrax is a serious disease that can infect humans through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. It's important to note that Bacillus anthracis can form spores that are very resistant to environmental factors and can survive for long periods.

A type of anthrax that affects the skin. The infection usually occurs through direct contact with infected animal products like wool, hair, or hides, and it's also known as Woolsorter's disease or Ragpicker's disease.

A type of anthrax that enters the lungs by inhaling spores. This is the most fatal form of anthrax as the inhaled spores can quickly multiply in the lungs, leading to severe respiratory distress.

A type of anthrax that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is usually contracted by ingesting contaminated food containing spores. It is often associated with drug users who inject contaminated drugs.

A type of anthrax that is caused by the direct injection of spores into tissues. This can occur through contaminated needles or from skin-popping.

The capsule of Bacillus anthracis is composed of glutamic acid. It acts as a protective barrier preventing the immune system from effectively attacking the bacteria.

Bacillus anthracis produces a potent exotoxin with three major components: Protective Antigen (PA), Edema Factor (EF), and Lethal Factor (LF).

• PA binds to receptors on host cells and facilitates the entry of EF and LF.
• EF causes edema by raising levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP), leading to fluid accumulation.
• LF inhibits protein synthesis and causes cell death.

Gram-positive, non-spore-forming bacilli that are pleomorphic, meaning they appear in various shapes. They are also catalase-positive and commonly found in the environment, often as normal flora in the human body.

A species of Corynebacterium that causes diphtheria. It produces a toxin that can cause a severe respiratory infection characterized by a thick, grey membrane forming in the throat. Diphtheria is a serious disease that can be fatal if untreated.

Corynebacterium species are often described as 'diphtheroids' due to their club-shaped or coryneform appearance. This refers to their morphology, which includes club-shaped, and picket fence-like arrangements.

A Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, non-spore-forming bacterium. It is a common foodborne pathogen that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can affect pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.

A Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium generally found in the environment. It is known for causing Erysipelas, a skin infection that results in a red, raised, and painful rash often found on the face or legs.

A group of filamentous bacteria that are generally aerobic or facultative anaerobic. They are also catalase-positive and can cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. Some species are known for causing serious conditions like nocardiosis.

A genus of Actinomycetes known for its ability to form branching mycelia (filaments). They are often associated with infections of the lungs, skin, and brain, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.

A type of bacteria that is gram-positive, rod-shaped, and can form branching filaments. It is commonly found in soil, water, and humans.

A species of Nocardia that can cause pulmonary infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It is known for its ability to survive in harsh environments.

A type of infection caused by Nocardia asteroides complex that primarily affects the lungs. It can be chronic and lead to severe lung damage.

A species of Nocardia that is a common cause of cutaneous infections, particularly in individuals involved in outdoor activities. It can cause skin lesions, nodules, and abscesses.

A type of infection caused by Nocardia brasiliensis characterized by the formation of granules in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It's often seen in individuals who work with soil or are exposed to the outdoors.

A laboratory technique used to identify bacteria by their ability to take up a stain, specifically Ziehl-Neelsen stain. This helps differentiate bacteria based on their cell wall structure.

A special type of media used to grow fungi. It provides the necessary nutrients and environment for fungal growth and identification. The presence of 10% CO2 helps facilitate fungal growth.

A common antibiotic used to treat Nocardia infections. It works by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria, helping to control the infection.

A type of colony morphology observed in Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterized by a club-shaped appearance and a tendency to arrange themselves in palisades (parallel rows).

A test used to determine if Corynebacterium diphtheriae produces diphtheria toxin, which is responsible for the severity of the disease.

A gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium that causes Listeriosis, an infection that can be serious in pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals.

A virulence factor produced by Listeria monocytogenes that helps the bacteria spread within the host by breaking down cell membranes.

A protein produced by Listeria monocytogenes that promotes inflammation and contributes to the virulence of the bacteria.

A gram-positive, non-spore-forming, facultative anaerobic bacterium that can cause infections in animals and humans, particularly those in the meat and poultry processing industry.

A characteristic feature of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae colonies on agar plates, resembling an inverted Christmas tree or umbrella shape.

A test used to differentiate between various bacterial species based on their ability to enhance the hemolytic activity of Staphylococcus aureus.

A skin infection caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, often affecting the hands and fingers.

A group of bacteria known for their branching, filamentous growth patterns. They are found in various environments. They may be partially acid-fast.

A species of Actinomycetes responsible for causing Whipple's disease, a rare bacterial infection affecting the digestive and joint systems.

A genus of Actinomycetes that commonly cause infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. They can cause lung infections and skin lesions.

A general term used to refer to different species of Corynebacterium that do not produce diphtheria toxin. These species are typically harmless or opportunistic.

A type of colony morphology observed in Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterized by a circular shape, smooth surface, and a white or gray color.

A type of colony morphology observed in Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterized by smaller, less prominent colonies compared to the gravis type.