HSS 1100 Study Guide - Final Guide: Plasmid, Bordetella, Exotoxin

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Health Sciences
• Course: HSS 1100
• Professor: William Yan

Document Summary

2 pathogenic species, bacillus anthracis & bacillus cereus: causative agent of anthrax, unique protein capsule (poly-d-glutamic acid) -> antiphagotyic, aerobic growth conditions. Spores are very stable, resistant to heat, drying, uv and disinfectants; spores germinate and toxins are made. Spores activate only when introduced into host: usually through contact with animals or soil, used in bio-terrorism and warfare. Exotoxin: encoded on pxo1 plasmid, transcriped optimally @ 37c, composed of 3 separate proteins: Separately proteins are not toxic but when combined = toxic: rapid identification and prompt use of penicillin, doxycyclin, ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin are critical in prevention of high mortality. Bacillus cereus: causes food poisoning when spores enter food product, motile, non-encapsulated, resistant penicillin. 2 types of enterotoxin: (i) heat labile: nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea. Lasts 12-24hrs: (ii) heat stable: severe nausea and vomiting, short incubation, antibiotic therapy will not alter the course of patient symptoms bc preformed toxins are what causes the food poisoning.