Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

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Prepare for the Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Equip yourself for success on your exam!

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At what mmHg oxygen tension does C. perfringens stop producing alpha toxins?

  1. 200 mmHg

  2. 250 mmHg

  3. 300 mmHg

  4. 350 mmHg

The correct answer is: 250 mmHg

C. perfringens, a type of bacterium known for causing gas gangrene and food poisoning, produces alpha toxins, which are critical for its virulence. The production of these toxins is significantly influenced by the oxygen tension in the environment. Research has shown that at elevated levels of oxygen tension, particularly around 250 mmHg, the growth and toxin production of C. perfringens are inhibited. This is largely due to the bacterium's anaerobic nature; it thrives in low-oxygen environments and struggles to survive and grow when exposed to high levels of oxygen. At oxygen tensions exceeding this threshold, the oxidative stress and the reactive oxygen species generated can adversely affect the metabolic processes of the bacterium, leading to a halt in toxin production. Therefore, the answer indicating that alpha toxin production stops at an oxygen tension of 250 mmHg aligns with established microbiological principles regarding the behavioral characteristics of C. perfringens in high-oxygen environments.