Question

How do you differentiate between C. perfringens from C difficile?

A. Gram stain

B. Morphology

C. Presence of flagella

D. Capsule

E. Endospore

What is the treatment if you get food intoxication from C. perfringens?

A. Penicillin

B. Keep hydrated and replace electrolytes

C. Treat with anti-toxin

D. Stop taking antibiotics

Answer 1

1) Gram stain - c.perfringens is gram positive

C.difficile = gram positive

Morphology- perfringens= large rod shaped with round ends , spores are broader than bacillar body, appearing spindle sometimes.Thick cell wall of peptiglycan.

C.difficile - pleumorphic, occurs in pairs of chains, and may be rod shaped sometimes.

Presence of flagella- perfringens= flagella absent.

C.difficile = present

Capsules - perfringens => cell membrane ,thick peptidoglycan wa with teichoic acid and capsules with polysachharides

C.difficile- form biofilm and cause toxin release.

Endospores- heat resistant in perfringens.

C. Difficult - produce endospores for high ph, temperwture, alkaline etc conditions.

2) B and D. Stop taking antibiotics , and stay hydrated by intravenous supply of electrolytes lost and oral rehydration. In some cases penicillin may be used.

So, answer are 1) B and C 2) B and D