...forms spores which allow the bacteria to survive in a dormant state until exposed to conditions that can support their growth. Botulinum neurotoxin is absorbed from the intestinal tract or from the infected wound site and transported to the neuromuscular endings (Nantel, 1999). There it blocks excitatory synaptic transmission and the release of acetylcholine, causing paralysis. Symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, dry mouth, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, and descending paralysis (Nantel, 1999). If left untreated, botulism may ultimately cause paralysis of the muscles necessary for respiration, leading to respiratory failure and death. Sources: Nantel, A. (1999). “Clostridium botulinum.” World Health Organization. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/csr/delibepidemics/clostridiumbotulism.pdf WILEY PLUS: Black, J. G. (2008). Microbiology: Principles and explorations (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. I chose the bacterium Streptococcal which causes strep throat. The most common type is by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABS). Group A strep is found on the surface of the skin and inside the throat and a common cause of infection in adults and children. Strep can be passed from person to person. When a person infected with strep throat breathes, coughs, or sneezes, tiny droplets containing the strep bacteria are released into the air and are breathed in by other people. Other types of strep...
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...“Streptococcus Group A (GAS) is also called Streptococcus Pyogenes. This is a gram-positive coccus pathogen that causes a large variety of diseases” (Fieber & Kovarik 2014). Most GAS infections are mild such as Strep throat. Strep A is one of the most common pathogens that occur in humans. “Strep Throat is most common in children ages 5-15,although anyone can get it” (Strep Throat Medline Plus, n.d). Most of Streptococcus Group A can cause pharyngitis, Scarlet fever (red rash on the body), rheumatic fever, skin and wound infections (impetigo). Two of the most common but least invasive forms of group A strep are pneumonia, necrotizing fasciitis “Flesh Eating” and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Genus Streptococcus is spherical and divides by separation, but they remain attached and grow in chains. They are also lactic acid bacteria. The species are the Streptococcus Pyogenes. These are considered prokaryotes because they have no cell membrane, no organelles in the cytoplasm except for ribosomes, and its genetic form is a continuous strand forming coils or loops. These are non-motile and don’t produce spores. “Streptococcus Group A is...
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...Diagnostic and Biochemical Tests for Gram Positive Cocci/ Gram Negative Bacilli By: Angelita A. Briñas, RMT I. CATALASE TEST + result vigorous effervescence II. COAGULASE TEST III. MANNITOL SALT FERMENTATION TEST IV.DNASE TEST * * Staphylococus aureus on the left is negative for DNase production; the Serratia marcescens on the right is positive for DNase production as evidenced by the area of clearing around the growth. IV. NOVOBIOCIN TEST Rapid, automated identification of novobiocin-resistant, coagulase-negative staphylococci. (CoNS) ID of Staph.saprophyticus Resistant= less than 16mm Sensitive= more than 16mm * Staph.saprophyticus is Novobiocin resistant * Staph.epidermidis- Novobiocin sensitive V.BACITRACIN (TAXO A) TEST Difference of the group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus from other non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococci is by using sensitivity test to bacitracin (Taxo A discs). OPTOCHIN (TAXO P) DISCS TEST This is a differential test used to distinguish between organisms sensitive to the antibiotic optochin and those not. This test is used to distinguish Streptococcus pneumoniae (optochin sensitive (pictured on the right)) from other a-hemolytic streptococci (optochin resistant (Streptococcus mitis is pictured on the left). Bile- Esculin Hydrolysis Determine the ability to grow in 40% bile and esculin hydrolysis POSITIVE RESULT- Esculetin reacts with FeCl3 to form brown-black ppt The...
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...Outbreak Investigation Summary Report Case Overview: In the college, the 4 main diseases that began to spread were Bacterial Meningitis, Infectious mononucleosis, Flu, and Strep Throat. One of the diseases that was spreading in college was Meningococcal Meningitis, which is caused by the bacteria Neisseria Meningitidis. This bacteria is very common and likely to spread within young adults. Meningococcal Meningitis is a severe disease in which although many recover, if not treated on time it can lead to serious complications, such as learning disabilities, brain damage, and hearing loss. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord. This disease develops when bacteria enters the bloodstream making its way towards the brain. It is highly contagious and can be spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions. Meningitis symptoms are easily developed within hours or 2 days. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, vomiting, seizures, sleepiness, loss of appetite, and skin rash. The longer the disease goes without being treated, the greater the risk the patient is taking to suffer from permanent neurological damage, which includes: hearing and memory loss, learning disabilities, brain...
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...Streptococcal Pharyngitis, Cold or Killer? For such a common illness strep throat, also known as Streptococcal Pharyngitis, can cause some serious problems that can lead to some major things later on. Some of these problems can include the infections spreading to other parts of the body and causing scarlet fever and other problems that can lead to other problems. Could Streptococcal Pharyngitis just be a little sickness everyone can get over on there own with no medicine like antibiotics and help from doctors or could it lead to something more serious? Streptococcal Pharyngitis is caused by a bacterial infection and can cause the throat to feel sore and scratchy. Streptococcal Pharyngitis is a somewhat common illness but having a sore throat doesn't mean you have strep having a sore throat is a very common thing so it could just be a sore throat so no need to worry if that is the only symptom you are experiencing. The bacteria that makes up Streptococcal Pharyngitis are in the shape of spheres. Streptococcal Pharyngitis then strands together into long string like formations. Streptococcal Pharyngitis is also a gram-positive bacteria. Because Streptococcal Pharyngitis is gram-positive it has a thick cell wall made from the protein named...
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...These F- strains also contained nonsense suppressor genes for the UAG codon. The purpose of this experiment is to determine if the Hfr lac- strain has a nonsense mutation and if this mutation can be suppressed by any of the three suppressor tRNAs: supD, supE and supF. We wanted to see if the substituted amino acid would restore the function of the protein. Controls We plated: • Hfr lac- on min+ strep and min+ nal- the Hfr lac- is pro + but doesn’t have resistance against streptomycin and nalidixic acid so no growth is expected. • CSH54 on min+ strep – This strain is pro- and streptomycin resistant. However, there should be...
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...Streptococcus Group A (GAS) is also called Streptococcus Pyogenes. This is a gram-positive coccus pathogen that causes a large variety of diseases” (Fieber & Kovarik 2014). Most GAS infections are mild such as Strep throat. Strep A is one of the most common pathogens that occur in humans. “Strep Throat is most common in children ages 5-15, although anyone can get it” (Strep Throat Medline Plus, n.d). Streptococcus Group A can primarily cause pharyngitis, Scarlet fever (red rash on the body), rheumatic fever, skin and wound infections (impetigo). Two of the most common but least invasive forms of GAS are pneumonia and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. “Genus Streptococcus is spherical and divides by separation, but they remain attached and grow in chains. They are also considered to be lactic acid bacteria’s. The species are the Streptococcus Pyogenes. These are considered prokaryotes because they have no cell membrane and no organelles in the cytoplasm. Its genetic form is a continuous strand forming coils or loops. These are non-motile and don’t produce any spores” (P. Engelkirk & J. Engelkirk, n.d. Ch.4). “Streptococcus Group A is spread through contact from an infected person's cough or sneeze. The droplets of the sneeze or cough is the transmission. If you...
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...produces neurotoxin botulinum. Clostridium botulinum is a food borne illness that grows bacteria on food, which is toxic and when ingested causes paralysis. Antitoxins can treat botulinum by blocking the toxin from circulating in the blood. Clostridium...
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...Archae and Bacteria Name: Institution: Date: The Archaea is similar to the bacteria in terms of cell structure and size, although possess many distinctive features, including the lack of peptidoglycan in their cell wall, existence of exclusive membrane lipids that are not established in the other domains of life and other distinctive genetic and biochemical properties. Most cultured Archaea were actually recovered from tremendous environments where there are high temperatures, high salt concentration and acidic hot springs. The exclusive properties of the Archaea can be subjugated in biotechnology. In addition culture independent studies illustrate that Archaea are also extensive in non tremendous environments such as soil and sea water (Kates, Kushner, & Matheson, 1993). Bacteria are normally clustered in a number of diverse ways. Most bacteria are of one of three archetypal shapes: round shaped, spiral shaped and rod shaped. An additional group Vibrios comes out as partial spirals. In most bacterial cells the plasma membrane and the cytoplasm are bounded by a cell wall. Extra categorization of bacteria is based on cell wall distinctiveness. Some bacteria which are known as aerobic forms can function metabolically only in the existence of atmospheric oxygen while others which are known as anaerobic bacteria cannot grow in presence of free oxygen but acquires it from compounds (Zannoni, 2004). In terms of modes of nutrition bacteria and Archaea are clustered...
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...indicating that the test was negative. Finally, a blood agar test was performed. Following inoculation of the blood agar plate and appropriate length of incubation, there was a distinct clear zone surrounding the inoculation site. The test was positive for β-hemolysis. After this, testing was completed. Table 1: Biochemical Test Results Test Purpose Observations Results/Interpretations Gram Stain Determine bacterial morphology and Gram reaction Purple balls Gram-positive cocci Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) Test Determine if the bacterium is capable of fermenting lactose and/or glucose Slant was colored yellow/orange Positive for lactose, glucose and/or sucrose fermentation MSA Test Determine if the bacteria can ferment mannitol salt MSA plate remained red with no yellowing Negative – bacteria do not ferment mannitol Catalase Test Determine if the organism is a catalase manufacturer No bubble formation on sample slide Negative –...
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...peptidoglycan which is a substance that forms in the cell wall. This means the cell will continue to grow without dividing or developing new cell wall Therefore, the wall gets weaker, and eventually ruptures. Another way antibiotics works is by protein synthesis: an example of a bacteriostatic antibiotic is Tetracycline, it binds to ribosomes in bacteria this means the cell cannot make proteins and therefore inhibits growth. The benefits of using antibiotics is that it helps people with weakened immune systems, it can treat many infections such as strep throat, tonsillitis and sinusitis, it is easy to administer since you can take them orally or via injection, it has few side effects and is cost effective. However issues concerning antibiotics are allergic reactions depending on your drug allergies you may be extremely allergic to some types of antibiotics, such as those containing sulfa. Unfortunately, sulfa is present in many common antibiotics, so it may be more difficult to find a suitable medication for your illness. Also drug-resistant bacteria, if you do not take the full dose of an antibiotic, it only kills some of the bacteria in your system and can make the rest antibiotic-resistant, which means antibiotics may not work as well for you in the future. Moreover potential side effects, while many antibiotics have few side effects, some...
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...foot if you have it. * Use moisturizers to prevent skin from drying and cracking. Treatment:Antibiotics, such as penicillin, are the usual treatment for erysipelas. Nali Fungal Infection-can affect any part of the body, from the skin to the eyes. Cause: Fungi that are already present in or on your body can cause nail infections. Prevention: * using antifungal sprays or powders regularly * washing your hands after touching infected nails * dry your feet well after showering especially between the toes Treatment: * terbinafine * itraconazole * fluconazole Strep Throat- is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. Cause: This common condition is caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. Prevention: Avoid contact with other people until after you’ve been on an antibiotic for 48 hours. Treatment: If you’re diagnosed with strep...
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...Scott Lewis 2/28/2013 Dr. Satre BIO 251 Necrotizing Fasciitis One of the most common skin infections known are bacterial infections; they have a wide range of severity, from merely annoying to deadly. Most bacterial skin infections are caused by two bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and a form of Streptococcus. In the case of Necrotizing Fasciitis, bacteria are usually the cause. Some of the bacteria that have been found to cause this infection include group A Streptococcus, which is group A strep, Klebsiella, Clostridium, E. Coli, Staphylococcus areus, and Aeromonas hydrophila. Because of its effect on skin, Necrotizing Fasciitis is sometimes called flesh-eating bacteria. This infection is very rare but also very serious; about 1 out of 4 people who come in contact with this infection die from it. It is important to always clean wounds and cover them after getting them because the most common way of getting Necrotizing Fasciitis is when the bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin such as a cut, scrape, burn, insect bite, or puncture wound. Symptoms may develop quickly, sometimes as soon as 24 hours after a minor skin injury. The rapid onset of symptoms that occurs is a very important clue that you may need to seek medical attention. It is more likely for people to be affected by this bacterial infection who have other health problems that may lower the body’s ability to fight infection. Many chronic health conditions that weaken the body’s immune system...
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...Taurean Bullard March 4, 2012 What is the infections agent (pathogen) that causes this infectious disease, the name of the bacteria, virus, or parasite? Staphylococcus Aureus is the infectious pathogen that can cause a variety of illnesses from minor skin infections like boils, carbunkles, cellulitis, impetigo, abcesses and of course staph infection. This pathogen can also lead to life-threatening diseases such as pnuemonia, menengitis, toxic shock syndrome, bacteremia, and sepsis. How is this infectious agent transmitted through food or water? This infectious agent can be transmitted by skin, soft tissue, respiratory, bone, joint, endovascular to wound infections. It is also carried in the respiratory tract, nasal passages. It can also be transferred onto clothes, bedding and on the skin of carriers. If someone that is a carrier doesn't wash their hands properly then the staph can easily get into any food or drinks they handle and thus be transferred to someone else. Infections may spread through contact with pus from an infected wound, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person by producing hyaluronidase that destroys tissues, and contact with objects such as towels, sheets, clothing, or athletic equipment used by an infected person. What is an example of a real life outbreak of this foodborne illness in the United States? There was an outbreak of Staphylococcus Aureus at the World's Fair Park event site July 30, 2005. This event took place in Knoxville...
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...The Six Kingdoms | When Linnaeus developed his system of classification, there were only two kingdoms, Plants and Animals. But the use of the microscope led to the discovery of new organisms and the identification of differences in cells. A two-kingdom system was no longer useful.  Today the system of classification includes six kingdoms. |   The Six Kingdoms:Plants, Animals, Protists, Fungi, Archaebacteria, Eubacteria. |  | How are organism placed into their kingdoms?       Cell type, complex or simple       Their ability to make food       The number of cells in their body | PlantsYou are probably quite familiar with the members of this kingdom as it contains all the plants that you have come to know - flowering plants, mosses, and ferns. Plants are all multicellular and consist of complex cells.  |  In addition plants are autotrophs, organisms that make their own food.  | With over 250,000 species, the plant kingdom is the second largest kingdom. Plant species range from the tiny green mosses to giant trees. | Without plants, life on Earth would not exist! Plants feed almost all the heterotrophs (organisms that eat other organisms) on Earth. Wow! | AnimalsThe animal kingdom is the largest kingdom with over 1 million known species. Sumatran Tiger - Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum, Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Felidae, Genus Pathera, Species tigris |   All animals consist of many complex cells. They...
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