Bacillus and clostridium

• Bacillus and Clostridium bacteria are characterized by rod-shaped morphology, endospore formation, and resistance to desiccation, high temperatures, and chemical disinfectants.
• Both Bacillus and Clostridium bacteria possess oxidase, an enzyme that catalyzes the transport of electrons from donor compounds (NADH) to electron acceptors (usually oxygen).
• The test reagent, N, N, N’, N’ - tetramethyl - p - phenylenediamine dihydrochloride, acts as an artificial electron acceptor for the enzyme oxidase.
• The oxidized reagent forms the coloured compound indophenol blue.
• Bacillus anthracis colonies are up to 5 mm in diameter, flat, dry, greyish appearance with a medusa head at the edge of the colony.
• Bacillus cereus colonies are similar to Bacillus anthracis but larger with a greenish tinge and hemolysis around the colony.
• Clostridial cultures typically emit putrid odors.
• More than 100 species of Clostridium are not pathogenic.
• Clostridium species are characterized by straight or slightly curved rods and the production of endospores.
• Clostridia are peptide catabolism, their most common mode of energy production.
• The size, shape, and location of the endospores can be used for species differentiation.
• Endemic regions require annual vaccination with the Sterne strain, a live vaccine, which converts the spores into non-encapsulated avirulent vegetative organisms.
• Non-endemic regions avoid the movement of animals, require personnel to wear PPE, use foot baths (formalin + peracetic acid), dispose of carcasses immediately, and lock all buildings and fumigate with formaldehyde.
• Clostridia are saprophytes, they constitute part of the normal intestinal flora and some may be sequestered as endospores in muscle or liver.
• Bacillus licheniformis colonies are dull, rough, wrinkled and strongly adherent to the agar.
• Bacillus endospores are widely distributed in the environment and can survive more than 50 years.
• Bacillus endospores can be found in alkaline soils, rich in Ca and N, and contaminated pastures, buried carcasses.
• Bacillus endospores can be ingested, inhaled or come through the skin.
• The capsule of Bacillus provides resistance to phagocytosis.
• Vaccination (Toxoid) in endemic areas is a form of treatment for botulinum.
• Guanidine and tetraethylamide stimulates acetylcholine release in the treatment of botulinum.
• A colony of botulinum can be grown on a 72 hour blood agar plate.
• BOTOX is a form of treatment for botulinum.
• Botulinum can grow in different media.
• Animals at risk from botulinum should be vaccinated with toxoids (A - D).
• Placing feed on dry ground attracts birds from contaminated areas.
• Treatment for botulinum includes recent ingestion, evacuation of the stomach and purging, and antitoxin treatment following onset of signs.
• Isolation of botulinum is possible by heating samples at 65 - 80 ° C for 30 min and culturing anaerobically on Blood Agar.
• Botulinum is mainly found in minks and ducks.
• Polyvalent antiserum is used in the treatment of botulinum.
• Serological and molecular techniques are available to support the diagnosis of botulinum.
• Removal of affected waterfowl to dry land saves many birds from exposure and drowning.
• Egg yolk agar shows the lipase reaction after 72 hours of incubation.
• Botulinum antitoxins are used in laboratory diagnosis.
• Bacillus toxins components include Protective antigen (binding moiety), oedema factor and lethal factor.
• Neutrophils is the target of the oedema factor.
• Macrophages, dendritic cells neutrophils and some epithelial and endothelial cells are the target of the lethal factor.
• Clinical signs of Bacillus infection include fever, depression, congested mucosae and petechiae, abort.
• Active immunization against Clostridium botulinum employs formalinized toxoid given twice at 1-2 month intervals and annually thereafter.
• A drop of antitoxin will inhibit hemolysis.