5.3 Staphylococcus Flashcards
What is a general description of staphylococcus?
gram positive, round bacterium that forms grape-like clusters
What does it mean that staphylococcus is a facultative anaerobe?
can grow in both anaerobic and aerobic conditions
How can we differentially screen for staphylococcus strains?
all of them can grow in bile salts
What does it mean that staphylococcus is considered a commensal bacterium?
neither harms nor benefits the host from which is obtains nutrients
What are obligate aerobes?
require oxygen
What are obligate anaerobes?
killed by oxygen
What are aerotolerant anaerobes?
unaffected by oxygen levels
What diseases is staphylococcus a causative agent for?
- folliculitis
- scalded skin syndrome
- impetigo
- conjunctivitis
- ophthalmia neonatorum
What is folliculitis?
formation of pustules on hair follicles
Which staph strain causes folliculitis?
staph aureus
Where can lesions and pustules also develop other than hair follicles in folliculitis?
anywhere on the surface of the skin
What staph strain causes scalded skin syndrome?
staph aureus
What is scalded skin syndrome?
ruptured pustules causing a scalded appearance due to peeling of the skin
Who presents with scalded skin syndrome most often?
young children and infants
How can you successfully treat staph infections?
penicillin or erythromycin antibiotics
