Unusual Bacteria

Question 1

Mycoplasma definition and subtypes

Answer 1

• simplest bacteria that act as parasites
• lack cell wall, enzymes and metabolic pathways
• smallest genomes (>500)

Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- specifically produces short lived immunity in host

• do not stain well due to no cell wall
• have cholesterol in their membranes*

Question 2

Mycoplasma most commonly found where in humans?

Answer 2

Surface parasites of human respiratory urogential tracts

• have high virulence factors

Question 3

Due to lack of cell walls, what cant be used on Mycoplasma species?

Answer 3

(B)-lactam antimicrobial agents

Question 4

Specific pathogenesis of Mycoplasma

Answer 4

Attaches to sialoglycoproteins on tracheal epithelium.

Once attached, excrete ROS

Question 5

Types of antibodies that respond to Mycoplasma infections

Answer 5

IgM, G and A

Question 6

Mycoplasma pneumoniae initial acute symptoms

Answer 6

Dry cough transforming into wet cough within 3-4 days

• wheezing and difficulties breathing

Question 7

Mycoplasma pneumoniae chronic symptoms

Answer 7

Pharyngitis, sinus congestion, infrequent otitis media.

(Produces atypical pneumonia once chronic symptoms begin)
- called atypical since it is not able to be seen in the lower respiration images

Question 8

Mycobacteria Characteristics

Answer 8

Aerobic, immobile, rod shaped gram (+)

Even though gram positive, Difficult to stain due to presence of my colic acid in its cell wall

• Stains red

Question 9

Mycobacterium tuberculosis chacterisitcs

Answer 9

Difficult to diagnosis

• classified based on growth rate and pigment.
• Group 1 = stains under light, slow growing
• group 2 = stains under light and dark, slow growing
• group 3 = does not stain, slow growing
• group 4 = does not stain, fast growing

Question 10

M. Avium complex

Answer 10

Most frequent Non TB mycobacterium.

• most common in immunodeficient patients

Question 11

Slow vs raid growth in mycobacterium TB

Answer 11

Slow = more than 7 days

Fast = less than 7 days

Question 12

Mycobacterium leprae

Answer 12

Causes leprosy

• cant be cultured and stained
• slow growth rate and transmission is only done through close contact
• only determined through clinical symptoms

Question 13

Types of leprosy

Answer 13

Paucibacillary = slowly develops, can be easily cured

Multibacillary =. Quick develops, marked by ulcers on extremities and face, not as easily cured

Question 14

Acid fast strains stain what color?

Answer 14

Red

Question 15

Legionella

Answer 15

Found in infected freshwater environments, spread through direct water dinking or droplets (sneezing)

Gram negative rods

require BCYE agar or sputum to culture

Can also use urinary antigen tests

Question 16

Chlamydia characteristics

Answer 16

Can come in two forms
EB and RB (larger EB aggregates)

Resembles gram negative

Obligate intercellular parasites and cultured in eukaryotic host cells. (Cannot use agar plates)

Question 17

Rickettsiaceae characteristics

Answer 17

Obligate intracelluar parasite that arises from Arthropods.

Multiply in endothelial host cells and cause necrosis in infected cells

Marked by vascular lesion on epidermis