Common Bacterial Organisms

Question 1

What are the disease associations, virulence factors, factors that elicit immune response, and common antibacterial resistance mechanisms of S. aureus?

Answer 1

Commonly seen in cutaneous infections or other localized abscesses. Often associated with foreign bodies, but may become septic or cause metastatic lesions (endocarditis), nosocomial pneumonia. Contains coagulase that, combined with host factors, creates a fibrinous capsule (from fibrin) - restricting phagocyte and antimicrobial access. Also produces alpha-toxin which inhibits opsonization and complement activation.