23 Bacterial Pathogens II - Skin and Soft Tissue Infections, GI Infections Flashcards
The skin is dry and salty. What kinds of bacteria can survive these conditions?
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus
(both gram pos)
Purpose of surface layer of skin?
Physical barrier against microbes
This bacteria is part of the normal flora of skin and nasal passages in 10-15% of ppl.
Staphylococcus aureus (gram pos)
How do S. aureus bacteria cause skin infections?
- They migrate down hair follicles into sebaceous glands
- They multiply
- Inflammation occurs
- WBCs are recruited
- Small pus-filled abscesses form
How can S. aureus skin infections present themselves on the skin?
- Folliculitis > small red bumps involving a SINGLE follicle per bump
- Furuncles (“boils”) > when infection of a single follicle spreads to nearby tissues (redness, swelling, +/- pain)
- Carbuncles > when several furuncles merge
Reservoirs: How many people are asymptomatic carriers of S. aureus?
Where does S. aureus tend to reside?
10-15% of ppl
S. aureus tends to reside on the SKIN and in the NASAL PASSAGES
Transmission: How can S. aureus be transmitted?
- Direct contact
- Fomites (objects/surfaces that can carry an infection)
- Respiratory droplets
Prevention: How can S. aureus be prevented?
- Good hand hygiene (esp. after nasal contact and esp. around elderly pts)
- Chlorhexidine > “de-colonize” pts
Treatment: How can S. aureus that has infiltrated the skin be treated?
- Surgically drain furuncles/carbuncles of pus
2. Antibiotics
Describe “scalded skin syndrome” (How it’s caused, and what its characterized by)
Caused by some strains of S. aureus
S. aureus produces “exfoliatin” toxin > this exotoxin destroys the material holding the epidermis to the dermis > S. aureus grows at site of infection > toxin is released into blood and spreads further
It’s characterized by redness and soft blisters that cover 20-100% of the body.
The skin peels away > wet, scalded-looking area remains > looks like a burn
This is a potentially fatal disease
Who is most susceptible to scalded skin syndrome?
Children < 2 years old
How to treat scalded skin syndrome? (3)
- Protective isolation
- Antibiotics
- Removal of dead skin tissue
Besides scalded skin syndrome, what other diseases can be caused by Staph. aureus?
- Endocarditis
- Bacteremia
- Pneumonia
- Osteomyelitis
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Gastrointestinal distress
T or F: All strains of S. aureus cause all diseases.
F
Not all strains cause all diseases
Biggest concerns w/ S. aureus? (2)
- Increased numbers of methicillin-resistant strains of S. aureus (MRSA)
- Increasing rates of “community-acquired” MRSA
About how many Staph. aureus infections are now caused by MRSA strains?
~60%
What’re ‘enteric’ bacteria?
Bacteria who use water/food to cause GI infections
Differentiate b/w food poisoning and food infections:
Food poisoning: Occurs when a TOXIN is consumed w/ food/water > rapid onset of symptoms
Food infections: Occurs when LIVE BACTERIA are consumed w/ food/water > slower onset of symptoms
How many hours does it take to show symptoms of…
- food poisoning?
- food infection?
- 4-6h
2. 18-24h
Name of S. aureus exotoxin that causes food poisoning?
Enterotoxin A
How will heating food help w/ Staph aureus colonization? Why might this not be enough to make the food safe?
Heating food to 100ºC WILL kill S. aureus, but it DOES NOT destroy the toxins that it produces (Enterotoxin A)
How long does it take to recover without treatment from an affliction by enterotoxin A of S. aureus?
~18 hours
How does enterotoxin A cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting?
Diarrhea: toxin acts on gut epithelial cells > fluid absorption is prevented
Nausea/vomiting: toxin stimulates gut receptors
How to prevent Staph. aureus contamination in food?
- Proper refrigeration
2. Known carriers of S. aureus should be careful when handling food