Table of ContentsClostridia: General CharacteristicsHabitatGrowthGenomeMovementNutritionC. Tetani: TetanusSymptomsCausePathophysiologyDiagnosisPreventionTreatmentC. Botulinium: BotulismSymptomsCausePathophysiologyDiagnosisPreventionTreatmentC. Perfringens: CelluliteSymptomsCausePathophysiologyDiagnosisPreventionTreatmentC. perfringens: Gas gangreneSymptomsCausePhysiologyDiagnosisPreventionTreatmentReferencesAnaerobic bacteria do not reproduce in the presence of oxygen. Three categories of anaerobic bacteria include obligate anaerobes, aerotolerant anaerobes, and facultative anaerobes. Although most species are obligate anaerobes, some can survive under aerobic conditions and are aerotolerant. There are nearly 200 species of Clostridium, some of which are pathogenic to humans. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayClostridia: General CharacteristicsHabitatPresent in soil, water, and various moist environments throughout the earth, for example in some plant roots. They also live in the human body (intestinal flora) and in the animal body.GrowthReproduces by binary fission. The round strand of DNA begins to replicate and the cell elongates as the new DNA copies move to opposite poles of the cell. Replication ends and the cell resumes growth. The plasma membrane begins to invaginate and a new cell wall appears. The result is two identical daughter cells. Genome A single circular chromosome with millions of base pairs and a round plasmid with seven thousand base pairs. About 11% of the genome is made up of transposons, mobile segments of DNA that can travel within the genome.MovementMoves with peritrichous flagella, uniformly distributed over the surface of the cell, providing motility to bacteria.NutritionHeterotrophic, relying on organic sources for nutrition. They obtain energy for adenosine triphosphate through fermentation and acquire nutrients from dead plants and animals in the soil.C. Tetani: tetanusSymptoms Bloody stools, diarrhea, headache, general muscle pain, sweating, increased heart rate, numb jaw, difficulty swallowing, respiratory failure and neuronal inactivation. Tachycardia is also observed. CauseTetanus infection is produced by contamination of a wound with the responsible bacteria, C. tetani. The anaerobic tissue environment facilitates C. tetani replication and exotoxin secretion. The powerful toxin tetanospasmin attaches to inhibitory neurons, blocking the release of neurotransmitters and impairing the nerves that control motor neurons. Pathophysiology Tetanus toxin accesses nerve endings through lower motor neurons, affecting voluntary muscle movements. It progresses via axons to the spinal cord and brainstem, then transsynaptically to the nerve endings responsible for the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters. DiagnosisEstablished primarily on the basis of physical examination, clinical symptoms, medical and immunization history. The wound may not be distinct and C. tetani is recovered in one third of all infected wounds. Prevention The administration of tetanus toxoid is a preventive action, providing protection through vaccination. Treatment There is no cure for tetanus. Treatment involves wound debridement, medications (antitoxins, antibiotics, vaccines, and sedatives) to reduce symptoms, and supportive therapy.C.Botulism: Botulism Symptoms Vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, dry mouth, respiratory failure, nausea and potential death. Cause Several factors can cause botulism, including consumption of foods containing botulinum toxin, wound entry, inhalation, consumption by newborns, intestinal colonization and iatrogenic (clinical and cosmetic botox overdose) . Pathophysiology The mechanism involves toxin-mediated blockade of neuromuscular communication in cholinergic nerve fibers. Toxins are ingested through the intestine and stomach, enter through skin lesions and disperse hematogenously.prevent neuromuscular communication in cholinergic nerve fibers.DiagnosisHistory and clinical examinations, identification of toxins, brain scans, lumbar puncture, electromyography and blood tests.PreventionVaccination, cooking food properly, refrigeration, checking food expiration dates, maintaining a safe cooking environment and ensuring good personal hygiene.TreatmentHospitalization, respiratory assistance, antitoxin injections, surgical treatment of wounds, antibiotics in case of secondary infection.C. Perfringens: CelluliteSymptomsRedness and inflammation, fever, blisters, swelling, fatigue, increased temperature, pain, rash, sweating.CauseInjury (cuts or cracks in the skin), long-term skin diseases, lymphedema, obesity, weakened immune system. PathophysiologyBreaking of the skin allows organisms on the skin to penetrate the dermis and replicate, causing cellulite. Mainly caused by streptococcus.DiagnosisPhysical examination of affected areas, lymph nodes and skin condition.PreventionGood personal hygiene, protecting wounds, treating superficial infections, maintaining overall skin health.TreatmentResting the affected area , clean and protect wounds, oral or IV antibiotics, cryotherapy to the affected area, elevation of the affected limb, surgical intervention if necessary.C. perfringens: Gas gangreneSymptomsGas bubbles, vomiting, increased temperature, swelling, sweating, pain around the affected area, discoloration of the skin.CauseDeep wounds, injured tissues, open fractures, muscle damage, colon cancer, diabetes.PhysiologyCreated by a sporulating bacillus, the organisms are true saprophytes, producing gases and approximately 20 exotoxins. Diagnosis Skin culture test, blood tests, x-ray, MRI, surgery. Prevention Good personal hygiene, wound protection, antibiotics to prevent infections, avoid infection tobacco, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and BMI.Keep in mind: this is just a sample.Get a personalized article now from our expert editors.Get a personalized essayTreatmentHigh doses of antibiotics, ablation surgical treatment of affected tissues, amputation if necessary, hyperbaric oxygen therapy.ReferencesShahab Quereshi. (2019). Clostridial infections. emedicine.medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/214992-overview#a4. [Accessed June 14, 2019].Larry M Bush. (2018). Gas gangrene. Manual msd. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infections/bacterial-infections-anaerobic-bacteria/gas-gangrene. [Accessed July 1, 2018]. William A Morrison. (2016). Gas gangrene. health line. https://www.healthline.com/health/gas-gangrene. [Accessed February 16, 2016].Stephanie S Gardner. (2019). Cellulite. WenMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/cellulitis#1. [Accessed February 3, 2019].Alana Biggers. (2019). Cellulite. health line. 2011].