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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis?
What type of anthrax occurs when spores are inhaled into the respiratory tract?
Why is inhalation anthrax not communicable from person to person?
Which subunit of the anthrax exotoxins is responsible for binding?
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Which of the following is the active enzyme in anthrax toxin?
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How can gastrointestinal anthrax occur?
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Study Notes
Virulence Factors
- The poly peptide capsule is a virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis.
- Anthrax toxin, a protein, is composed of three components: protective antigen (PA), oedema factor, and lethal factor.
- Protective antigen (PA) is a key component of anthrax toxin.
- Oedema factor and lethal factor are the two main toxins responsible for the pathogenesis of Bacillus anthracis.
Transmission
- Anthrax spores can persist for years and remain infective.
- Cutaneous anthrax occurs when spores enter the skin through trauma, often through contact with contaminated animal products such as wool.
- Pulmonary anthrax occurs when spores are inhaled into the respiratory tract.
- Gastrointestinal anthrax is a result of ingesting contaminated food or water.
- Inhalation anthrax is not communicable from person to person due to the rapid movement of the organism from the lungs to the mediastinal lymph nodes, causing hemorrhagic mediastinitis.
Pathogenesis of Bacillus anthracis
- Pathogenesis is primarily based on the production of two exotoxins: anthrax toxin.
- Anthrax toxin consists of two proteins: oedema factor and lethal factor, each consisting of two subunits (AB).
- The B subunit (binding subunit) is responsible for binding, while the A subunit (active enzyme) leads to oedema.
- The protective antigen (PA) is the B subunit that binds to the host cell.
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Description
This quiz covers the virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis, including the poly peptide capsule and anthrax toxin, as well as the transmission of anthrax spores. Test your knowledge of the pathogenesis of this bacteria.
