Chapter 22: Skin Infections - Hair follicle Infection and TSS Flashcards
1
Q
What is a hair follicle infection? (2)
A
- most common is S. aureus
- most strains have several virulence factors
2
Q
What are the virulence factors of a hair follicle infection? (5)
A
- Coagulase
- Protein A
- hyaluronidase and collagenase
- leukocidin
- beta toxin
3
Q
What is coagulase?
A
- exoenzyme that promotes fibrin clots
4
Q
What is the function of protein A? (2)
A
- Binds Fc portion of antibodies
- prevents opsonization
5
Q
What is the function of hyaluronidase and collagenase?
A
- degrade hyaluronic acid and collagen (CT)
6
Q
What is the function of leukocidin?
A
kills leukocytes (especially neutrophils)
7
Q
what is the function of beta toxins?
A
- destroys cells by poking holes in the membrane
8
Q
Some strains have additional virulence factors. What is it?
A
exfoliatin
9
Q
What is exfoliatin?
A
- exotoxin that causes separation of skin layers, resulting in scalded skin syndrome
10
Q
Who does exfoliatin mostly affect?
A
newborns infants
11
Q
How is exfoliatin transmitted? (2)
A
- direct or indirect contact
- problem in hospital nurseries
12
Q
How can you prevent exofoliatin?
A
- hexachlorophene
13
Q
What toxin is responsible for toxic shock syndrome?
A
toxin shock syndrome toxin
14
Q
What occurs in toxic shock syndrome? (2)
A
- results from a localized infection
- toxin is released into the blood and acts as a superantigen
ex. tampon related TSS
15
Q
What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome? (6)
A
- extreme immune reaction
- fever
- rash
- vomiting
- shock
- organ failure and death
