Clostridium tetani: Difference between revisions
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==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
===Higher order taxa=== | ===Higher order taxa=== | ||
Revision as of 01:20, 31 October 2011
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Clostridium tetani
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Firmicutes; Clostridia; Clostridiales; Clostridiaceae
Species
Clostridium tetani
Description and significance
C. tetani is a bacillus, or rod-shaped bacterium. The bacteria is Gram positive and commonly takes the shape of a drumstick when Gram stained. This drumstick appearance is due to the spore formation that occurs inside the cell. C. tetani is known for causing tetanus. Spores of the bacterium enter the body through open wounds and germinate once inside. C. tetani move around by the use of rotary flagella. The organization of these flagella is peritrichous, which means there are flagella randomly assorted around the cell. These bacteria are found in many different environments, most commonly in soil, dust, animal intestines, and in animal feces. They are obligate anaerobes and thus rely on fermentation and cannot tolerate the presence of oxygen.
Genome structure
The genome of C. tetani consists of one chromosome of 2776 genes. All but one of these genes are protein-coding genes (99.96%). There are 2,799,25 base pairs in the genome encoding 2,372 open reading frames. The tetanus toxin is located on the pE88 plasmid. The gene for the toxin is called tetX and is located next to a gene encoding a collagenase called colT. There 74,082 base pairs in the pE88 plasmid that codes for the toxin.
Cell structure and metabolism
C. tetani is a gram-positive bacterium, which means it has a thick cell wall made up of multiple layers of peptidoglycan. It has only one cell membrane, which is located on the inside of the cell wall. C. tetani produces and secretes mamny enzymes that break down susbtances in the environment, including proteins, fats , and carbohydrates. They are able to convert these sustances into chemicals they can use for energy.
Ecology
C. tetani is found mostly in warm, damp areas, especially in manure treated soil, but can also be found in the intestines or feces of many animals, such as horse, sheep, and dogs. In its vegetative state C. tetani is heat sensitive and cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. However its spores are resistant to heat and some antiseptics, but oxygen rich areas are also toxic to them. When in soil, they can last for months or even years in the proper conditions.The spores can germinate through the dead cells of the body, thus spreading toxins.
Pathology
C. tetani effects humans by the disease called tetanus. The spores enter its host through open wounds, lacerations, or burns where many cells are dead. This provides the necessary environment for C. tetani to begin to spread its virulence factors. In the presence of anaerobic conditions (lacking oxygen), the spores can germinate. This is when the spores produce toxins that are harmful to humans nervous system. The toxin tetanospasmin travels through the body via the nervous system, where its goal is to reach the spinal cord. Here is where the toxin really start to attack the body. The toxin interferes with the neurotransmitters when it block messages to the brain. This leads to unwanted muscle contraction and spams, and in bad cases, individuals can get seizures.
The only way to help prevent tetanus disease is by getting proper immunization. It is the only vaccine-preventable disease that is infectious but not contagious. This means it can not be transferred any way from person to person. If suffering from tetanus there are antibiotics and medication that can be taken to help patient heal. Most patients have only spasms, but those spasms can effect chest muscles causing problems with breathing. If patient doesn’t seek treatment there is a strong possibility of dying. Tetanus can affect newborns whose mother has never received proper immunization, and usually they are infected by the umbilical stump when it is not cut with properly sterile instruments. The death rate in infants is much higher than that of adults affected by tetanus.
Current Research
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Cool Factor
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References
Edited by student of Iris Keren
