Lecture14 Flashcards
What is transient microbiota ?
Microorganisms that we remove from our hands by hand washing- mechanical scrubbing
What are the three routes of B. anthracis?
Inoculation (most common: acquired through contact with animal/hides
inhalation: uncommon
Ingestion: common for carnivorous animals
What is anthrax caused by, what type of pathogen is it?
Caused by Bacillis anthracis (large aerobic gram + bacilli with endospores). It is a primary pathogen
What are the two plasmids responsible for the acquisition of virulence factors of anthrax?
pX01 for capsule
pX02 for toxins
What is special about the capsule on B. anthracis?
It has a poly peptide capsule that contains glutamic acid–> it is antiphagocytic
What leads to the production of toxin in anthrax?
The growth of the bacteria leads to the production of toxins
What are the three components of the toxin produced by B. anthracis?
PA- protective antigen
LF- lethal factor
EF- edema factor
Must have PA and either LF or EF for toxicity
What is the treatment of B. anthracis/ anthrax?
Antibiotics must be started early. Penicillen is usually drug of choice, but use ciprofloxacin if resistance is suspected
Is anthrax resistant or susceptible to many antibiotics?
It is susceptible for many antibiotics
Is there a good vaccine for Anthrax?
No, most human vaccines are based on the capsule, but the have poor antigenicity with negative side effects
What is zoonosis
A disease that is transmitted to humans from an animal (accidental host)
What are three examples of zoonosis dieases?
Anthrax, rabies, tularemia (rabbit fever) west nile virus…
What is the prodrome period in the stages of disease?
When you start to feel the symptoms, can tell you are getting sick
What is the concalescence period in the stages of disease?
Feel better after infection, no symptoms but you still have to organism
