Medical Microbiology 4th Year: Gram-Positive Rods

A pore-forming cytotoxic protein produced by Listeria monocytogenes, responsible for beta-hemolysis.

A bacterial protein on the surface of Listeria monocytogenes that induces host actin polymerization enabling bacterial movement between cells.

An infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, with symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal issues to severe illness in vulnerable populations.

A severe form in immunocompromised adults, characterized by meningitis, septicemia, and endocarditis.

Mostly affects infants, characterized by meningitis following the mother's infection.

Infection in pregnant women may not show symptoms for the mother, but can be severe for the fetus.

Listeria monocytogenes replicates in the cytoplasm, uses ActA to move between cells, avoiding immune responses and causing infection.

Mild infection with fever and diarrhea, generally self-limiting.

A test to determine if a person has antibodies against diphtheria toxin, indicating immunity to diphtheria.

A wheal (raised mark) of 5-10mm forms at the injection site, indicating a lack of antibodies against the toxin.

Redness at the injection site due to hypersensitivity to diphtheria toxin, rather than a lack of antibodies.

A foodborne bacterium that can grow in refrigerator temperatures, especially dangerous to immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women.

A microbe that can survive and multiply inside host cells, moving between cells without direct antibody exposure.

A characteristic of certain bacteria that produce the enzyme catalase.

A bacterial characteristic where the inoculated blood agar turns into a colorless zone of hemolysis.

A pathogen that can cause illness through food consumption, especially with contaminated foods.

A group of bacteria characterized by a positive Gram stain, rod shape, and inability to form spores.

A gram-positive, non-motile rod known for causing diphtheria, a disease often affecting children.

A toxin produced by some strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae that inhibits protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells.

The diphtheria exotoxin is composed of two fragments. Fragment A inhibits protein synthesis, while fragment B binds to cell surface receptors.

Gram-positive bacteria with a rod shape and the ability to create dormant structures called spores.

A gram-positive, spore-forming rod that causes anthrax.

The process of creating dormant cells to ensure survival of bacteria in harsh conditions.

Infection begins in the nose, progressing to the pharynx, causing a pseudo-membrane and potentially life-threatening complications.