Clostridium Group

C. perfringens, C. tetani, & C. botulinum

Explained by Lateesha, Lauren, Nikia, Marina, Danielle, Iesha, and Whitney

C. Perfringens associated with gas gangrene

facultative anaerobes and aerobes cover the wound surface creating an anaerobic environment These strict anaerobe spores germinate underneath wound and rapidly multiply They now ferment the carbohydrates in your muscle and produce gas This gas will be felt just beneath your skin now develops into a severe, tramatic open lesion similar to a compound fracture or bullet wound

Symptoms include: pain, fever, extensive bleeding

These symptoms quickly progress into bacteremia and shock and death within 2 days if left untreated

Food poisoning associated with C. perfringens and meat products

Gram positive anaerobic spore forming bacterium found in the soil, marine sediment and decaying vegetation The c. perfringens pathogen must be ingested in large numbers for disease to occur The spores will survive high temperatures

After cooking and cooling, the spores germinate and then the bacteria grow. If the food is served without reheating to kill the bacteria, live bacteria may be eaten. The bacteria multiply producing a toxin inside the intestine that causes illness.
Symptoms start within 6-24 hours and include nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, but can vary due to the variation of beta toxin produced

There is no fever because this is an intoxication not an infection

Treatment usually involves keeping hydrated, it will usually clear up within 48 hours on its own

Clostridium tetani general info thru toxin

Rod shaped resembles a tennis racket or drumstick gram positive bacterium Spores are found in soil or gastrointestinal tract of animals Enters a wound from contaminated soil

Produces a strong deadly neurotoxin called tetanospasmin, this is the most lethal substance known
Our intestines destroy the toxin so the pathogen doesn't use transmission methods that will land it there We make antitoxins/antibodies that neutralize the toxin We are immunized for tetanus with the DPT injection Toxin is the causative agent of the disease Tetanus

Marina- tetanus disease

Treatment of tetanus

Treatment begins with neutralizing any unbound toxins This is done by the injection of large amounts antitoxins/antibodies Next is penicillin, this is given second because first the toxin has to be neutralized and then the bacteria is killed The patient will also be sedated, maintained in a quiet and dark environment and provided a stable airway The toxin can stay in your body up to two years Once the toxin is eliminated normal muscle/neurotransmitter function is restored

Clostridium botulinum thru adult disease

Rod shaped anaerobic bacterium C. botulinum spores are commonly found in moister soils like lake and pond sediments Produces a strong deadly neurotoxin, which is unharmed by our gastrointestinal tract enzymes Neurotoxin blocks your bodys release of Acetylcholine, which is required for a nerve to move a muscle, so instead of your muscles stiffly contracting like found in Tetanus disease, your body becomes flaccid and paralyzed Botulism is also associated with home canning high alkaline veggies like green beans and mushrooms If the canning process is not done properly the spores will survive, then they will germinate and release their deadly toxin into the food without changing its color, texture, odor or taste Initial symptoms start with feeling weak and dizzy, then blurred vision and dry mouth then constipation Then toxins starts interfering and paralyzing your nerves following a pattern Ocular nerve pharyngeal laryngeal nerves controlling respiration Treatment is a large dose of horse botulinum which will neutralize the free toxin and support measures to maintain respiration. 20% fatal with treatment, 100% fatal w/o

Recovery can take months to years as these toxins remain in your body up to two years

Whitney- infant form