(VIII)Sporing Anaerobic Gram Positive Rods (2) Clostridium Botulinum

Question 1

Characterize (3) : Clostridium botulinum

Answer 1

(1) Gram (+) rod
(2) Spores
(3) Obligate anaerobe

Question 2

Clostridium Botulinum infection

Transmission: Contact with wound or food poisoning (canned food).

Virulence factor & Mechanism: […]

Clinical Presentation:
[…]
- Early signs: […]
- Severe conditions: […]

Treatment:
[…]

Answer 2

Clostridium Botulinum infection

Transmission: Contact with wound or food poisoning (canned food).

Virulence factor & Mechanism: Botulinum toxin: blocks Ach release at NMJ (flaccid paralysis)

Clinical Presentation:
Botulism (flaccid paralysis)
- Early signs: diplopia, dysphagia, ptosis, nausea, vomiting, usually no fever
- Severe conditions: paralysis of respiratory muscles (death!!)

Treatment:
Antiserum + ventilate

Note that there is
- infant botulism (constipation, dysphagia, muscle weakness “floppy baby”) and
- wound botulism (esp in IVDAs) (adult botulism symptoms - GIT symtomps + fever and elevation of white count) as well.

Adults usually ingest pre-formed toxin, infants usually ingest spores which then produces the toxins in the gut.