'Klebs Loeffler bacillus' is the name of which of the following bacteria?

UPRVUNL - 2021

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: UPRVUNL - 2021

Explanation

Klebs-Loeffler bacillus is the historical eponym for Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the bacterium responsible for causing diphtheria.
The name honors the two scientists who made key discoveries: Edwin Klebs, who first observed the bacillus in 1883, and Friedrich Loeffler, who successfully isolated it in 1884.
This bacterium is a Gram-positive, club-shaped rod known for producing a powerful exotoxin that leads to the formation of a pseudomembrane in the throat, a hallmark of diphtheria.

Option A: Hemophilus influenzae is incorrect. It is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes respiratory infections like pneumonia and meningitis.
Option B: Clostridium tetani is the causative agent of tetanus, not diphtheria. It is an anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium.
Option C: Lactobacillus is a genus of bacteria that are part of the normal human microbiota and are generally non-pathogenic.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Eponyms in microbiology and identification of pathogenic bacteria as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing diphtheria is critical for nurses as it's a medical emergency. Key signs include a sore throat, low-grade fever, and the characteristic thick, gray pseudomembrane covering the throat and tonsils, which can cause airway obstruction.
Nursing priorities for a patient with diphtheria include immediate implementation of droplet precautions, continuous monitoring of respiratory status, ensuring emergency airway equipment is at the bedside, and administering diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics as prescribed.
What if? If a patient presented with painful muscle spasms, stiffness in the jaw ('lockjaw'), and a history of a recent puncture wound, the nurse should suspect tetanus (caused by Clostridium tetani), not diphtheria. The priority would shift to managing muscle rigidity, preventing seizures, and providing wound care.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of microbiology eponyms (names derived from people).
Identify the key term in the question: 'Klebs Loeffler bacillus'.
Access your knowledge base of common pathogenic bacteria and their associated names or diseases.
Mentally link 'Loeffler' to 'Loeffler's medium', which is specifically used for cultivating the diphtheria bacillus.
Evaluate the options. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the causative agent of diphtheria. The names Klebs and Loeffler are historically tied to its discovery.
Eliminate the other options by recalling their distinct characteristics: H. influenzae (Pfeiffer's bacillus), C. tetani (tetanus, drumstick shape), and Lactobacillus (normal flora).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Eponyms in microbiology and identification of pathogenic bacteria.
Stem keywords: Klebs Loeffler bacillus, bacteria
Lead-in keywords: is the name of

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