Catalig, Angelo

DENT3-AA
Do you remember the mode of transmission of Bacillus anthracis? How do animals animals
such as cattle become victims of anthrax?
- From what I can infer Bacillus anthracis is spread primarily through contact with spores
from infected animals or animal products. Handling infected animals or animal products,
inhaling spores, or coming into contact with contaminated soil or objects can all lead to
infection in humans.

For Cattles they can become infected with anthrax by grazing on contaminated pastures
or drinking water contaminated with Bacillus anthracis spores. The spores can remain
dormant in the soil for many years before germinating and causing disease in cattle.
Cattle are especially vulnerable to anthrax because their digestive tract provides an ideal
environment for the spores to germinate and grow. Furthermore, cattle are more likely to
consume soil and plant material contaminated with spores while grazing.

Clostridium perfringes causes gangrene. Try to recall the characteristics of the said bacteria.
Now, why are hyperbaric chambers effective in treating gas gangrene?
- From what I could gather Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-
forming bacterium that is commonly found in soil and decaying vegetation. It is also
found in both human and animal gastrointestinal tracts. This bacterium produces toxins
such as alpha, beta, and epsilon toxins, which can destroy tissue and cause gas gangrene.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for
Clostridium perfringens-caused gas gangrene. Patients are placed in a hyperbaric
chamber and exposed to high levels of oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure during
this therapy. The increased pressure and oxygen levels promote healthy tissue growth
while inhibiting the growth of anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens.

The mechanism by which HBOT works to treat gas gangrene is multifactorial. Because
anaerobic bacteria require low oxygen levels to grow, the high levels of oxygen delivered
to tissues help to inhibit their growth. Furthermore, the high levels of oxygen delivered to
the tissues encourage the formation of new blood vessels, which can aid in the delivery of
antibiotics and immune cells to infected tissues. Finally, the increased pressure in the
hyperbaric chamber helps to push oxygen into damaged and poorly perfused tissues,
which can aid in the healing process.