Gram negative rods - Lactose non-fermenters Flashcards
What is the first step in differentiating gram negative rods that are not lactose fermenters?
Oxidase + = Pseudomonas
Where is psuedomonas found?
Nosocomial infections! Highly drug resistant.
Is pseudomonas aerobic?
Yes.
What is the name of the blue-green pigment pseudomonas produces?
Pyocyanin, pyoverdin.
What characteristic odor does Pseudomonas produce?
Sweet, grape-like odor.
What toxins does psuedomonas produce?
Endotoxin: fever/shock
Exotoxin A: inactivates EF-2 like diphtheria toxin
What clinical presentations are pseudomonas associated with?
BE PSEUDDO: Burns Endocarditis Pneumonia Sepsis Externa (otitis - swimmer's ear) UTIs Drug use Diabetes Osteomyelitis
In what scenarios does Pseudomonas cause folliculitis?
Hot tubs!
How can psuedomonas manifest in CF patients?
Pnuemonia - mucoid polysaccaride capsule may contribute due to biofilm formation.
Treatment?
Heavy duty abx. All the crazy ones.
Treatment for multi-drug resistant strains:
Colistin, polymyxin B.
What is ecthyma gangrenosum?
Rapidly progressive, necrotic cutaneous lesion caused by Pseudomonas – seen in immunocompromised pts.
If a gram + lactose non fermenter is also oxidase negative, what is the next step in differentiation?
TSI agar. If doesn’t produce H2S –> Shigella.
If does produce H2S–> Salmonella, Proteus, Yersinia
What is the reservoir of shigella?
Humans only.
How is shigella transmitted?
Fecal-oral transmission.
How does shigella spread in the body?
Cell to cell only, no hematogenous spread.
Is shigella motile?
No - no flagella, no H antigen.
What toxins does shigella produce?
- Shiga entertoxin : inactivates host 60S.
2. Endotoxin - fever, shock.
Does Shigella require a large or small infectious dose?
Low. Very small amount, resistant to gastric acid.
What is the presentation of Shigella?
Bloody diarrhea with mucus and pus.