Clostridia and staphylococci

Question 1

What kind of bacteria are Clostridium?

Answer 1

1. Gram positive
2. anaerobic bacteria.
3. Some are very strict anaerobes (C. B, C.T), others are more aerotolerant (C.P) = spore producing
4. rod shaped

Question 2

What is the nature of clostridia with regards to what they breakdown?

Answer 2

1. breakdown dead tissue
2. some of their virulence when entering healthy tissue may be due to saprophytic nature + being able to produce enzymes that breakdown tissues

Question 3

What do clostridium produce mroe than any other genus?

Answer 3

TOXINS

Question 4

What groups can clostridium be divided into

Answer 4

1. according to the type of disease casued:
2. Neurotrophic
3. Enterotoxaemias
4. Gas gangrene

Question 5

Definition of the groups clostridium is divided into

Answer 5

1. neurotrophic = disease largely due to a single toxin targeting the nervous system, 2. enterotoxaemias = affecting the GI tract and other organs
2. Gas gangrene which results from an infection of tissues, all which are mediated by a range of toxins.

Question 6

What is the most prolific producer of toxins amongst clostridia?

Answer 6

• Clostridium perfringens = can cause wide range of disease

Question 7

What are examples of prolific pathogens of clostridia you need to know specifically

Answer 7

1. Clostridium tetanus
2. Clostridium botulinum
3. Clostridium perfringens

Question 8

Difference between Clostridia and Bacillus

Answer 8

Clostridia can only sporilate in anaerobic conditions whereas bacillus require oxygen to do this