Final Exam: Skin infections Flashcards

1
Q

Lesion

A

change or abnormality in the skin that is usually in a defined area; may be harmless or serious

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2
Q

Primary lesion

A

associated with a specific disease process; useful for diagnosis

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3
Q

Secondary lesions

A

less obviously associated with a specific disease; may develop from a primary lesion

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4
Q

Rash

A

widespread eruption of lesions; may be symptomatic or asymptomatic

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5
Q

Propionibacterium acnes

A

Acne

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6
Q

Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA

A

Impetigo, cellulitis, folliculitis, scalded skin syndrome

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7
Q

Streptococcus pyogenes

A

Impetigo, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome

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8
Q

Clostridium perfringens

A

Gas gangrene

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9
Q

Propionibacterium acnes: Mechanism of action

A

Sebum and dead skin cells block pores
P. acnes proliferative in clogged pores
Inflammatory response

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10
Q

Staphylococcal Impetigo: signs/symptoms

A

Superficial pus-filled vesicles
Reddened skin (face, lips, or extremities)
Itchy vesicles can rupture and ooze
Crust over into honey-colored lesions

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11
Q

Staphylococcal Impetigo: Chracteristics, Transmission, Treatment

A

Highly contagious, Secondary bacterial infections possible

Direct contact, Contaminated fomites, Childcare centers

Topical antibiotics

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12
Q

Staphylococcal Erysipelas: Progression and symptoms

A

Impetigo spreads to surrounding skin and lymph nodes, Extensive inflammation and pain

Fever, Chills, Leukocytosis, If untreated, erysipelas may be fatal

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13
Q

Cellulitis: Signs and symptoms

A

Infection of lower dermis, subcutaneous fat
Red, swollen, and painful skin
Fever
Leukocytosis and/or lymphangitis
Legs are the most commonly infected
May spread to lymph nodes and bloodstream
Potentially fatal if not treated

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14
Q

MRSA treatment and prevention

A

Vancomycin, rifampin, tetracyclines
Resistance emerging
Vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA)
Vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA)

Healthcare workers carefully follow hand-washing and antisepsis precautions

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15
Q

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome

A

Skin apprears to have burned by boiling water
Exfolative toxins produced by S. aureus
Toxins causes the outer layer of epidermal cells to peel in sheets
Toxins may be carried by the bloodstream to other area

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16
Q

Streptococcus pyogenes

A

Gram positive cocci with a beads on a string appearance
Catalase negative
Only some species are true pathogens, most are normal flora in many parts of the body
“Pyogenes” comes from the Greek word for “pus-forming”
Often causes pus filled lesions
Can also cause:
Impetigo
Cellulitis

17
Q

Streptococcus pyogenes: complications

A

Necrotizing fasciitis
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome

18
Q

S. pyogenes can cause streptococcal toxic shock syndrome

A

Bacterial toxins are released into the bloodstream
Causes drop in blood pressure and organ failure
May manifest with a skin rash

19
Q

Pseudomonads can

A

cause opportunistic infections as well as serious wound infections

20
Q

Pseudomonas bacteria

A

Gram-negative rods
Normal skin residents
Abundant in soil and water
Metabolize a wide range of substances
Can thrive on plants and floral vase water
Ability to break down certain detergents
Increasingly resistant to many antibiotics

21
Q

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A

Most medically relevant of the pseudomonads
Opportunistic pathogen – normal immunecompetent hosts are usually not affected
Ability to form biofilms

22
Q

Pseudomonads: Burn and other skin wound patients

A

~60% of burn patients develop P. aeruginosa infections
As skin wounds heal, the bacteria can grow underneath scabs

23
Q

P. aeruginosa wound treatment

A

Meticulous wound care
Antibiotics
Protective creams that contain silver
Debridement of affected scabs or tissue to remove bacteria

24
Q

Some P. aeruginosa strains make

A

pyocyanin-Greenish-blue pigment

25
Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)
Improperly maintained saunas, pools, or hot tubs Allows P. aeruginosa to thrive
26
Gas Gangrene: bacteria
Clostridium perfringens Anaerobic Gram-positive; endospore-forming rods Naturally live in the soil
27
Gas gangrene
C. perfringens infect deep wounds Release foul-smelling gases emitted as the bacteria destroy infected tissues If untreated, progresses to shock, kidney failure, and death
28
Gangrene
Blood vessels are damaged Decreased blood flow to tissues Tissues starve for oxygen and nutrients Necrosis (tissue death) Affects the extremities