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What mechanism does Clostridium toxin primarily use to cause damage to eukaryotic cells?
Clostridium tetani is a motile, aerobic bacteria with a drumstick appearance.
False
List two common sources of human infections with clostridia species.
Endogenous infection, exogenous infection
Clostridium tetani is the causative agent of the disease known as __________.
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Match the following Clostridium species with their uses:
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What age groups are considered highest risk for tetanus infection?
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The incubation period for tetanus generally ranges from __________ to __________ days.
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Name one type of medium used to culture Clostridium tetani.
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Which Clostridium species is non-motile?
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All species of Clostridium are capable of nitrogen fixation.
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Name one primary media type used for the selective isolation of Clostridium difficile.
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Clostridium species are usually __________ negative.
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Match the following Clostridium species with their associated characteristics:
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What is the optimal temperature range for most Clostridium species?
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Clostridia usually form small colonies with smooth edges.
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Who discovered the Clostridium genus?
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Which Clostridium species is responsible for the production of tetanus toxin?
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The enterotoxin produced by Clostridium perfringens is responsible for human illness only in Type A.
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What effect does botulinum toxin have on muscle contraction?
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Clostridium difficile colonies are usually _________ in diameter on blood agar after 24 hours of incubation.
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Match the following Clostridium toxins with their specific effects:
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Which of the following toxins is produced by Clostridium botulinum?
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The inner zone of hemolysis on blood agar is known for partial hemolysis.
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What is the primary cause of tetanus?
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Study Notes
Clostridium
- Genus of rod-shaped bacteria, usually gram-positive
- Found in soil, water, and the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals
- Most species grow only in the absence of oxygen
- Dormant cells are highly resistant to heat, desiccation, and toxic chemicals and detergents
- Over 200 species identified, at least 30 are of clinical significance
Clostridium Growth
- Grow over a wide range of temperature (3.3 to 80 °C)
- Optimum growth between 25 and 40 °C for most species
- With the exception of C.perfringens, Clostridium species have peritrichous flagella that allow the organisms to move
- Usually catalase-negative
Clostridium in Humans
- Clostridia are important members of the humans’ anaerobic gastrointestinal and cervical-vaginal flora
- Human infections can result from endogenous or exogenous infection
Clostridium Uses
- Clostridium toxins can be used in therapy, research, and the cosmetic industry
- Clostridium strains have been widely used for the production of organic acids, organic solvent, and enzymes
Clostridium tetani
- Causative organism for tetanus
- Motile, anaerobic, spore-forming bacteria
- Forms terminal spores with a drum stick appearance
- One of the 4 most well-known exotoxin producing pathogens
Tetanus Epidemiology
- Estimated 34,000 neonates died from neonatal tetanus in 2015
- Highest risk groups are children and the elderly due to reduced immunity
- Associated with: crush injuries, injuries with dead tissue, burns, puncture wounds, wounds contaminated with dirt, feces, or saliva
- Incubation period is approximately 8 days, but ranges from 3 to 21 days
Tetanus Mechanism
- Spores enter the body through wounds
- Spores germinate releasing toxins into the bloodstream and lymphatic system
- Toxin transported to the spinal cord or brainstem
- Toxin affects the neurotransmitter by blocking its release at the central inhibitory interneurons
- This results in the disinhibition of the lower motor neurons leading to muscle spasms
Clostridial Toxins
- Neurotoxins: Produced by Clostridium tetani (tetanus toxin) and Clostridium botulinum (botulinum toxin)
- Enterotoxin: Released by C.perfringens, one of the main causes of gastrointestinal illness
Botulinum Toxin (BoNT)
- Produced by C.botulinum
- Poisonous substance that binds to nerve endings (cholinergic nerve terminals)
- Blocks the release of neurotransmitter acetylcholine thus affecting muscle contraction
- Several types of toxins including: A, B, E, F, C, C1, and C2
Tetanus Toxin (TeNT)
- Released by Clostridium tetani
- Primary cause of tetanus
- Taken up through lower motor neurons and transported to the spinal cord or brainstem
- Affects the neurotransmitter by blocking its release at the central inhibitory interneurons
- This results in the disinhibition of the lower motor neurons leading to uncontrollable contraction of muscle
Clostridial Toxins - Others
- Cholesterol-dependent Cytolysins: Released by some of the Gram-positive Clostridium, bind to target cells and cause pore formation
- Binary Bacterial Toxins: Released by a number of Clostridium bacteria including: C.perfringens, C.spiroforme and C.botulinum
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of Clostridium, a genus of gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria essential to various ecosystems and human health. This quiz covers their growth, significance in human infections, and potential applications in therapy and industry. Test your knowledge about these remarkable microorganisms.
