Bacteria (Part II) Flashcards
What is the alpha-hemolytic encapsulated gram-positive bacteria?
streptococcus pneumoniae
how is streptococcus pneumoniae typically seen?
as diplococci or short chains
where does streptococcus pneumoniae colonize?
in the nasopharynx
what is the purpose of the capsule in streptococcus pneumoniae?
it provides a level of defense against direct phagocytosis by macrophages and inhibits complement activation
how can the swollen capsule of streptococcus pneumoniae be seen?
by the addition of the anti-capsular antibodies, which is the basis for the quelling test
what is streptococcus pneumoniae sensitive for?
optochin
what is the virulence factor for streptococcus pneumoniae?
IgA protease
what is so significant about streptococcus pneumoniae/ what does streptococcus pneumoniae cause?
it is the most common cause of community acquired PNA
how does PNA caused by streptococcus pneumoniae present?
lobar consolidative pattern where the entire lung lobe is involved with the pneumonic process with high fever, cough, SOB and chest pain
who is most at risk for streptococcus pneumoniae PNA?
elderly (older than 65)
what are the risk factors associated with getting streptococcus pneumoniae PNA?
COPD, smoking, previous influenza infection, immunocompromise, asplenia
What diseases can streptococcus pneumoniae cause?
pneumococcal PNA, meningitis, otitis media
what is the number 1 cause of meningitis in young children?
streptococcal pneumoniae
what is the classic triad of meningitis caused by streptococcus pneumoniae?
high fever, nuchal rigidity, and abnormal mental status change
what is the most common cause of meningitis in neonates?
streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, and listeria monocytogenes
what is the most common cause of meningitis in adolescence and very young adulthood?
Neisseria meningitides
What are the most common bacterial causes of otitis media?
streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and moraxella catarrhalis
what is the only gram positive bacteria that commonly causes otitis media?
streptococcus pneumoniae
what are encapsulated bacteria cleared by?
the spleen
encapsulated bacteria can cause severe disease in asplenic patients. What are the top 3 encapsulated bacteria to remeber?
streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenza (type B), and Neisseria meningitis
what can cause asplenia or hyposplenism?
trauma, neoplasia or other disorders such as sickle cell anemia where entrapment of RBCs by the spleen leads to splenic infarction
where do the viridans group streptococci colonize?
gastrointestinal tract and the oral cavity
what diseases do the viridans group streptococci cause?
dental caries (cavities), subacute bacterial endocarditis, abscess in the brain and liver
What is the most well known member of the viridans group to cause dental caries?
streptococcus mutans