E3- Tetanus and Botulism Flashcards
(34 cards)
What are two types of Clostridial infections?
- Tetanus
- Botulism
What is the aerotolerance of Clostridial species? (tetanus, botulism)
Obligate anaerobes
What is the habitat of Clostridial species? (tetanus, botulism)
- Soil
- Normal intestinal flora
Are Clostridial species gram positive/negative? What shape? (tetanus, botulism)
Gram positive bacilli
What do all Clostridial species produce? (tetanus, botulism)
- Environmentally resistant spores
- Neurotoxins
Where are the spores located on Clostridium tetani?
Terminally
“tennis racket” appearance
Where is the neurotoxin produced on Clostridium tetani?
Plasmid
Who is at risk for a Clostridium tetani infection?
- Newborns
- IV drug users
What is the initial event that allows Clostridium tetani spores into the body?
Trauma
After the entry of Clostridium tetani into the body, bacteria remain ____ at the site of infection.
Localized
After the entry of Clostridium tetani into the body, if ____ conditions are present, there is a corresponding lowering of the oxidation/reduction potential.
Anaerobic
After the entry of Clostridium tetani into the body, bacteria multiply and release what?
Tetanospasmin (potent exotoxin)
After Clostridium tetani releases tetanospasmin, where does it go?
It is absorbed by local nerve endings and transported through neurons
Clostridium tetani neurotoxin results in disruption of what?
Central motor control leading to uncontrolled muscle contractions and spasms
What are the 3 clinical forms of Clostridium tetani?
- Generalized (including neonatal)
- Localized
- Cephalic
What is the most common clinical form of Clostridium tetani?
Generalized (including neonatal)
What clinical form of Clostridium tetani usually occurs in immunocompromised patients and leads to muscle spasms in the area close to injury?
Localized
What is the rarest clinical form of Clostridium tetani that only affects facial muscles?
Cephalic
What is the clinical presentation of Clostridium tetani?
- Spasm of jaw muscles (lock jaw, trismus)
- Clenching of jaw (risus sardonicus)
- Fever
How is Clostridium tetani dx?
Clinical findings
Where are the spores located on Clostridium botulinum?
Subterminal
How many forms of Clostridium botulinum are there?
8
A-H, X
Where is the toxin located in Clostridium botulinum?
Chromosome
What is the effect of the Clostridium botulinum toxin?
Prevents ACh from being released leading to flaccid paralysis
