Clinical Microbiology (Week 6) Flashcards
True or false, gram positive bacteria have a thinner cell wall than gram negative?
False, gram positive have a thicker cell wall than gram negative
Define bactericidal
Able to directly kill bacteria by sterilising the site
What is the term used to define the range of bacterial species effectively treated by antibiotics?
Antibiotic spectrum
Name the four beta lactic antibiotic groups
Penicillins
Cephalosporins
Carbapenems
Monobactams
What are beta lactamases?
Enzymes produced by bacteria which inactivate beta lactic drugs
What type of bacteria does benzylpenicillin target?
Streptococcus infection
What two types of bacteria does flucloxacillin target?
Staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus
What drugs are co-administered with penicillins to broaden their spectrum?
Beta-lactamase inhibitors
What class of antibiotics have been designed to treat MRSA?
(MRSA active) cephalosporins
What specific type of antibiotic can be used to treat CNS infections like meningitis in hospitals?
Ceftriaxone
Which class of antibiotics can be described as ultra-broad spectrum (excluding MRSA)?
Carbapenems
Which class of antibiotics does the drug Aztreonam belong to?
Monobactams
What type of bacteria does Vancomycin NOT work to treat?
Gram negative bacteria
Give three examples of the toxic effects of Vancomycin
Nephrotoxicity
Ototoxicity
‘Red man syndrome’
Name three types of species that macrolides act on
Gram positive, gram negative and atypicals
What is the mechanism of action of aminoglycosides?
Act on the 30s ribosome subunit
Why is Gentamicin given as one dose daily?
To avoid accumulation in the body and avoid its toxic effects
Which two patient groups should tetracycline antibiotics be avoided in?
Children and pregnant women
What type of infection does the quinolone drug Levofloxacin treat?
Respiratory tract infections
What type of infection does the quinolone drug Ciprofloxacin treat?
Urinary tract infections
Name two conditions that the drug Rifampicin is used to treat
- Tuberculosis
2. Alongside other antibiotics to treat serious gram positive infections
Which antibiotic is used to treat uncomplicated UTIs?
Trimethoprim
What does the term ‘breakpoint’ mean?
The concentration of an antibiotic which defines whether a species is sensitive or resistant
Name a pharmacological treatment used to relieve symptoms of UTIs before antibiotics are given
NSAIDs
Define sepsis
Life-threatening organ dysfunction as a result of dysregulated host response to infection
Give 2 causative agents involved in bacterial diarrhoea
Enterotoxigenic E. coli
Enteroaggregative E. coli
Campylobacter
Name three parasites which commonly cause travellers diarrhoea
Giardia
Cryptosporidium
Cyclospora
What are the three tests used in the diagnosis of malaria?
Antigen testing
Blood films
PCR
In regards to malaria treatment, what is Ritamen?
An artemether compound given as IM injection used in severe malaria instead of quinine
Describe the 4 stages of pathophysiology in typhoid
- Dirty food or water
- Stomach
- Hepatic portal system
- Blood
What syndrome leads to death as a result of malaria?
Septic shock
Name three drugs commonly used to treat malaria
- Quinolones
- Cephalosporins
- Azithromycin
Give a definition of dengue fever
An acute mosquito borne viral illness
Name three lab features of dengue fever
- Leukocytopenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Transaminitis
Name the three most common causative agents in community acquired pneumonia
- Strep. pneumoniae
- Haemophilius influenzae
- Moraxella catharralis
What is the name of the smallest living bacterium?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Which bacteria lends to spread through contaminated water systems?
Legionella Pneumophila
