12 Questions
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Clostridium difficile (C.diff)?
Obligate aerobe
What is the primary risk factor for developing C.diff infection?
Antibiotic use
Which exotoxin is responsible for causing inflammation and watery diarrhea in C.diff infection?
Exotoxin A
What is the mechanism of action of exotoxin B produced by C.diff?
Disrupts cytoskeleton integrity by depolymerizing actin
What is the characteristic feature of pseudomembranous colitis caused by C.diff?
Formation of pseudomembranes in the colon
Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for the transmission of C.diff?
Eating chocolate
What is the main antibiotic known to cause Clostridium difficile (C.diff) infection?
Clindamycin
Which type of exotoxin produced by C.diff binds to the brush border of the intestine, causing inflammation and watery diarrhea?
Exotoxin A
What is the color associated with exotoxin B produced by Clostridium difficile (C.diff)?
Black
Which workstation in the text represents the exotoxin that disrupts cytoskeleton integrity by depolymerizing actin?
Workstation B
What characteristic feature of pseudomembranous colitis is caused by Clostridium difficile?
Yellowish-grey exudate covering colonic mucosa
Why is a gas mask associated with Clostridium difficile in the text?
To represent the pathogen's sensitivity to oxygen
Study Notes
Characteristics of Clostridium Difficile (C.diff)
- Spore formers, represented by walnuts
- Gram Positive, represented by violet
- Obligate ANAEROBE, represented by gas mask
Disease and Transmission
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, particularly caused by Clindamycin
- Spores easily transferred from patient to patient
- Antibiotics can wipe out normal flora, making patients immunocompromised and susceptible to colonization and toxin production
- Poorly washed hands can contribute to the transmission of C.diff
Pathogenesis
- 2 exotoxins produced by C.diff: A and B
- Exotoxin A (Apple):
- Binds to the brush border of the intestine
- Causes inflammation, cell death, and watery diarrhea
- Exotoxin B (Black Licorice):
- Disrupts cytoskeleton integrity by depolymerizing actin
- Leads to enterocyte death and necrosis
- Forms a yellowish grey exudate that creates a pseudo membrane covering the colonic mucosa, resulting in pseudomembranous colitis
Test your knowledge on Clostridium Difficile (C.diff) by taking this quiz based on a field trip to a chocolate factory. Learn about its characteristics like spore formation, Gram positive nature, and anaerobic requirements. Understand how it is transmitted and its association with antibiotic use.
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