Mycobacteria

Gram +ve
Clostridium Bacillus
Genus species Cl tetani Bacillus anthracis
Cl perfringes- 5 types based on toxin formtn (A,B,C,D,E). Only A
is human pathogen
Cl botulinum- 7 serotypes (A-G) A,B,E r human pathgn
Peritrichous flagella (for motility xcpt Cl perfringes, most non- Non-motile, rectangular, remain in
capsulatd xcpt Cl perfringes chains, capsulated, spores oval & central
Cl tetani
Cl perfringes- short, stubby, spore less common
Cl botulinum
Culture Blood agar, Robertson’s meat medium
Cl perfringes- round, opaque, B-haemolytc zone
Cl tetani- irregular, translucentw thin spreadg edges
Cl botulinum- Matt to glossy, centrally raised
Agnc Capsular polypeptide
structure
Growth Anaerobic Aerobic, vegettve form readily destroyd
characteristics by heat. Spores r heat-resistant- in dry
state up to 150°C for 1 hr. Spores
remained viable for years in soil
tionducPro

Enxymes& Endospores (wider than bacterial body) Spore-bearing

others
Toxin Endo
Exo Cl tetani, Cl perfringes- alpha toxin (acts s lecithinase & causes Complex group of toxins. 3 toxins:
cell lysis), Haemolytic & necrotizing toxins e.g collagenase, Oedema factor
hyaluronidase, proteinase Protectve factor (respnsble for immunity
Cl botulinum- very strong neurotoxin. Inhibits Ach release at to disease)
motor nerve endng in parasympa Lethal factor
Habitat Human & animal intestine, soil, water, decaying animal & plant Infected animals, spores found in soil
Pathology Cl tetani- Tetanus Anthrax
Cl perfringes- Food poisoning, gas gangrene -Cutaneous- occuptnl, x-occuptnl
Cl botulinum- Botulism -Pulmonary
Cl difficile (opportunistc)- pseudomembranous colitis -Gastrointestinal
Epidemiology Cl tetani
Cl perfringes
Cl botulinum
Aetiology
Pathogenesis
Lesion Septicaemic ifxn, Splenomegaly
Clinical signs Tetanus- spastic paralysis
Botulism- Food poisoning, inability to swallow, visual
disturbance-double vision, flaccid paralysis, speech dificulty
Complication
Diagnosis Cl tetani
Cl perfringes- Nagler reaction
Inoculate bacteria on 2 egg-yolk (contain protein) agar plates (1 w
antiserum, e other w/out antiserum) Observation: no opacity on
area w antiserum
Cl botulinum
Treatment Cl tetani- Abtc, Tetanus anti-toxin, put in dark room Penicillin, eryhtromycin
Cl perfringes- a,mputation for gas gangrene
Cl botulinum