Chapter 1.4 Streptococci Flashcards
What type of bacteria is streptococci?
Gram-positive
What are the differences between streptococci and staphylococci?
Appearance
Enzymes
What is the appearance of Streptococci vs Staphylococci on a gram-stain?
Streptococci line up one after the other like a strip
Staphylococci appear as a cluster
What is the enzyme difference between Streptococci and Staphylococci?
Staphylococci have catalase whereas streptococci do not
How are the 3 groups of Stretococcci categorized?
By their specific hemolytic ability
What are the characteristics of beta-hemolytic streptococci?
They completely lyse the RBCs and leave a clear zone of hemolysis around the colony
What are the characteristics of alpha-hemolytic streptococci?
They only partially lyse the RBCs and leave a greenish discoloration of the culture surrounding the colony
What are the characteristics of gamma-hemolytic streptococci?
They are unable to lyse RBCs
*are non-hemolytic streptococci
What antigens help classify streptococci based on their antigenic characteristics?
Lancefield antigens- A, B, C, D, E –> S
*but only 5 are significant in human pathogens and 3 of them have Lancefield antigens (A, B, D)
What are the 2 human significant streptococci that do not have Lancefield antigens?
Stretococcus pneumoniae and Viridans group of streptococci
What categorizes a streptococci into Group A Streptococci?
Lancefield antigens A and beta-hemolytic
What is another name for group A streptococci?
Streptococcus pyogenes – which means pus-producing
What diseases are associated with streptococci pyogenes?
Strep throat, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
What are the antigenic components of the streptococcal cell?
C carbohydrate, M protein
What is the M-protein in the streptococcal cell wall?
Major virulence factor for group A Stretococcus
Inhibits activation of complement and protects against phagocytosis
What are the enzymes associated with group A streptococci?
Streptolysin O- oxygen labile- inactivation by oxygen and destroys red and white blood cells and is antigenic
Streptolysin S- oxygen stable- not antigenic
Pyrogenic exotoxin
What is the function of pyrogenic exotoxin in some group A streptococci?
Cause scarlet fever
Produce superantigens that super stimulate T cells to cause streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
What are the 4 types of disease by local invasion and/or exotoxin for group A streptococci?
Streptococcal pharyngitis, streptococcal skin infections, scarlet fever, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
What are the 2 delayed antibody mediated diseases of group A Streptococci?
Rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis
What are the characteristics of streptococcal pharyngitis?
Classic strep throat with red, swollen tonsils and pharynx Purulent exudate from tonsils High temperature Swollen lymph nodes Usually lasts 5 days
What are the characteristics of skin infections with group A streptococci?
Range from folliculitis (hair follicle infection), cellulitis (deep infection of skin cell), and impetigo (blistered eruption that becomes crusty and flaky)
What is the mechanism of necrotizing fasciitis in group A streptococci?
“Flesh-eating streptococcus”
They enter through a break in the skin caused by trauma and then follow a path along the fascia between the subcutaneous tissue and muscle
What are the manifestations of necrotizing fasciitis of group A streptococci?
A day later- Skin color changes from red to purple to blue, large blisters (bullae) form
Later- skin dies and muscle can become infected (myosotis)
What bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis?
Group A streptococcus, staphylococcus, clostridium, gram-negative enterics, or mixed infections with more than one of these
What are the characteristics of Scarlet fever by group A streptococci?
Production of exotoxin- pyrogenic toxin or erythrogenic toxin that produces fever and scarlet red rash
What is the pattern of the rash associated with Scarlet fever?
Starts on the trunk and neck and then spreads to the extremities, sparing the face
What are the characteristics of Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome caused by group A?
Release of pyrogenic toxin
What are the characteristics of rheumatic fever by group A streptococcus?
Usually affects children 5-15 years old
Joint swelling,
What is chorea?
Uncontrolled dance-like movements of the extremities in rheumatic fever
What is erythema marginatum?
Rash with a red margin that spreads from it’s center