Introduction
Corynebacterium
Non-spore-forming
gram-positive bacilli. Corynebacterium
species tend to be clubbed or irregularly shaped- Chinese lettering
arrangement, These bacteria have a high
guanosine plus cytosine content Are members of the normal flora of skin and
mucous membranes of humans. Other
corynebacteria are found in animals and plants. Toxin-producing one is
pathogenic. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the most important member of the
group, as it can produce a powerful exotoxin that causes diphtheria in
humans. C. ulcerans and several
commensals (diphtheroides) normally colonize the skin, nasopharynx, oropharynx,
GIT and UGT. Virulence factors: All toxigenic C diphtheriae are capable of
elaborating the same disease-producing exotoxin. Diphtheria is caused by
toxin-producing strains of C. diphtheriae.
What is disease caused Corynebacterium diphtheriae?
Diphtheria
is an acute and highly contagious a bacterial infection that primarily affects
the respiratory system.it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the
skin, ayes, and genitals. Diphtheria is caused
by diphtheriae diphtheriae, it
releases a toxin that can cause severe damage to tissues and organs. Characterized by the formation of a thick, grayish
–white membrane in the throat, nose, and tonsils. The diphtheria toxin gene is
encoded by a bacteriophage found in toxigenic strains, integrated into the
bacterial chromosome. It is gram positive bacilli with club-like thickenings on
their ends, seen at an angle with each other.
Tellurite blood agar is a selective medium used for isolation and
cultivation of cornybacterium species. Symptoms:
sudden onset of sore throat and fever, swollen and tender lymph nodes in the
neck, white or grayish-patches or membrane in the throat, nose, and tonsils,
difficult swallowing and breathing, and cardiac complication. Transmission:
person to person through respiratory droplets, contaminated food and water, and
close contact with an infected person.
What causes diphtheria?
Diphtheria
is caused by the bacterium cornybacterium diphtheriae. The bacterium is spread from
person to person through respiratory droplets, such as those produced when an
infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread through contact with
contaminated surfaces or objects, such as toys, clothing, or bedding.
What are
the complications associated with diphtheria?
Diphtheria
can cause a variety of complications, some of which can be severe or even
life-threatening. Difficulty breathing: the toxin produced by the bacteria can
cause the airways to become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe.
Heart damage: the toxin can also damage the heart muscle, leading to an
irregular heartbeat or even heart failure. Nerve damage: in severe cases, the
toxin can damage the nerves, causing paralysis or other neurological problems.
Diagnosis
Specimens: Include throat, and, or nasopharyngeal swabs to
confirm a diagnosis of throat diphtheria, and a skin swab if cutaneous
diphtheria is suspected. Microscopy: C.
diphtheriae is Gram positive but usually stains unevenly and weakly, It is markedly pleomorphic, Long, thin, and curved forms can be seen } short rods and rods
enlarged at one end (clubshaped). They often appear in clusters, joined at
angles like Chinese letters.
Haw to treatment C. diphtheriae
Antimicrobial
drugs (Penicillin or Erythromycin) and early administration of specific
antitoxin against the toxin formed by the organisms at their site of entry and
multiplication.
Prevention
- Active immunization
- Passive immunization
- Combined immunization
Conclusion
In conclusion, Corynebacterium is a genus of Gram-positive,
non-motile, rod-shaped bacteria that includes both harmless commensals and
important pathogens. The most notable species, Corynebacterium diphtheriae,
is responsible for diphtheria, a serious infectious disease characterized by
toxin production and respiratory complications. While many species normally
reside in the human skin and mucous membranes without causing harm,
opportunistic infections can occur in immunocompromised individuals. Overall,
the genus Corynebacterium is medically significant because of its pathogenic
potential, toxin production, and role in human health and disease.
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