Clostridium

Question 1

Describe the appearance of clostridium under the microscope

Answer 1

Gram positive

Bacilli

Question 2

What does the clostridium species form?

Answer 2

Endospores

Question 3

Where can the clostridium species be found? (X2)

Answer 3

GI tract

Environment

Question 4

What disease does C. Tetani cause?

Answer 4

Tetanus

Question 5

State the habitat of C. Tetani (x2)

Answer 5

Soil

Human

Question 6

Appearance of C. Tetani under the microscope

Answer 6

Gram positive, but stains are gram variable

Spores

Question 7

To which conditions can spores tolerate?

Answer 7

Spores can survive autoclaving at 121deg for 15mins

Question 8

Incubation period of C. Tetani

Answer 8

4 days to weeks

Question 9

Symptoms of infection by C. Tetani (x4)

Answer 9

• irritability, drooling
• headache, fever, sweating
• exaggerated reflexes, back spasms, lock jaw
• general muscle rigidity and spasm - difficulty swallowing; rigidity of the back

Question 10

What should be given to someone suspected of infection by C. Tetani, who has never been immunised to it?

Answer 10

Administer Anti-toxin: tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) and 3 tetanus toxoid injections

Question 11

What should be given to a patient suspected of C. Tetani infection, who has already been immunised before?

Answer 11

Administer anti toxin promptly - tetanus toxoid

Question 12

Treatment for C. Tetani

Answer 12

• prompt intervention - administer anti toxin
• clean wound and undertake debridement
• penicillin

Question 13

Control of C. Tetani

Answer 13

• immunisation with tetanus toxoid

Question 14

Name 4 characteristics of C. Botulinum

Answer 14

• gram-positive
• obligate anaerobe
• subterminal (slipper) endospores
• produces neurotoxin

Question 15

Sources of C. Botulinum (x3)

Answer 15

Foodborne
Wound
Infant

Question 16

Symptoms of C. Botulinum (x7)

Answer 16

• appears 18-36h after exposure
• double / blurred vision
• drooping eyelids
• slurred speech
• dry mouth - difficulty swallowing
• muscle weakness
• respiratory failure / paralysis

Question 17

Symptoms of c. Botulinum in infants (x4)

Answer 17

• lethargy
• constipation
• weak cry
• poor muscle tone

Question 18

Name 4 species of clostridium

Answer 18

C. Difficile
C. Botulinum
C. Tetani
C. Perfringes