Textbook Question
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare was considered relatively harmless until the late 20th century, when it became common in certain infections. Explain how this bacterium’s pathogenicity changed.
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Ch. 19 - Pathogenic Gram-Positive Bacteria
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - A Brief History of Microbiology31
- Ch. 2 - The Chemistry of Microbiology28
- Ch. 3 - Cell Structure and Function39
- Ch. 4 - Microscopy, Staining, and Classification25
- Ch. 5 - Microbial Metabolism51
- Ch. 6 - Microbial Nutrition and Growth37
- Ch. 7 - Microbial Genetics51
- Ch. 8 - Recombinant DNA Technology21
- Ch. 9 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Environment36
- Ch. 10 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Body: Antimicrobial Drugs21
- Ch. 11 - Characterizing and Classifying Prokaryotes29
- Ch. 12 - Characterizing and Classifying Eukaryotes34
- Ch. 13 - Characterizing and Classifying Viruses, Viroids, and Prions23
- Ch. 14 - Infection, Infectious Diseases, and Epidemiology35
- Ch. 15 - Innate Immunity34
- Ch. 16 - Adaptive Immunity21
- Ch. 17 - Immunization and Immune Testing29
- Ch. 18 - Immune Disorders22
- Ch. 19 - Pathogenic Gram-Positive Bacteria25
- Ch. 20 - Pathogenic Gram-Negative Cocci and Bacilli28
- Ch. 21 - Rickettsias, Chlamydias, Spirochetes, and Vibrios25
- Ch. 22 - Pathogenic Fungi47
- Ch. 23 - Parasitic Protozoa, Helminths, and Arthropod Vectors44
- Ch. 24 - Pathogenic DNA Viruses23
- Ch. 25 - Pathogenic RNA Viruses30
- Ch. 26 - Applied and Industrial Microbiology29
- Ch. 27 - Microbial Ecology and Microbiomes22
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 19, Problem 4
Explain how mice are used in the diagnosis of botulism poisoning.
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Understand that botulism is caused by a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can be detected by its effect on living organisms.
Recognize that mice are used in a bioassay to detect the presence of botulinum toxin because they are sensitive to the toxin's effects, which cause characteristic symptoms.
In the diagnostic test, a sample suspected of containing botulinum toxin (such as food, serum, or stool) is injected into mice, usually intraperitoneally.
Observe the mice for specific signs of botulism poisoning, such as paralysis, weakness, respiratory distress, and eventual death, which indicate the presence of the toxin.
Confirm the diagnosis by comparing the symptoms in test mice with control mice and, if necessary, by neutralizing the toxin with specific antitoxins to verify that symptoms are due to botulinum toxin.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Botulism and Its Toxin
Botulism is a serious illness caused by botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The toxin blocks nerve function, leading to paralysis. Understanding the nature and effects of this toxin is essential for grasping how diagnosis is performed.
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Introduction to Pathogenic Toxins
Mouse Bioassay for Botulinum Toxin Detection
The mouse bioassay is a traditional diagnostic test where suspected samples are injected into mice to observe symptoms of botulism, such as paralysis or death. This method detects the presence and potency of botulinum toxin in clinical or food samples.
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Ethical and Practical Considerations in Animal Testing
Using mice in diagnosis raises ethical concerns and requires careful handling to minimize suffering. Alternatives and refinements are being developed, but understanding the role and limitations of animal testing is important for interpreting diagnostic results.
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Which of the following conditions is a systemic disease caused by Staphylococcus?
a. Impetigo
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c. Carbuncle
d. Toxic shock syndrome
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A bacterium associated with bacteremia, meningitis, and pneumonia in newborns is
a. Staphylococcus aureus
b. Staphylococcus epidermidis
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c. Gastrointestinal anthrax
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Contrast tuberculoid leprosy with lepromatous leprosy in terms of pathogenesis. How does the cellular immune response of a patient affect the form of the disease?
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