Gram + Micro Flashcards
Alpha hemolytic bacteria
Streptococcus pneumoniae Viridans streptococci (S. mutans, S. mitis)
Beta hemolytic bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) Streptococcus agalactiae (group B strep)
Gram +, beta hemolytic, catalase +, coagulase + cocci in clusters
Staphylococcus aureus
Protein A
Staph aureus. Binds Fc-IgG, inhibiting complement activation and phagocytosis
TSST-1
Superantigen that binds to MHC II and T cell receptor, resulting in polyclonal T-cell activation
Staph aureus food poisoning
Due to ingestion of preformed toxin (2-6 hr)
Diseases caused by staph aureus
Inflammatory disease - skin infections, pneumonia (often after influenza), organ abscesses, endocarditis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis.
Toxin mediated disease - toxic shock syndrome, scalded skin syndrome, rapid onset food poisoning.
MRSA
Gram +, catalase +, coagulase -, urease + cocci in clusters. Novobiocin sensitive. Does not ferment mannitol.
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Gram +, catalase +, coagulase -, urease + cocci in clusters. Novobiocin resistant.
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Gram +, catalase -, alpha hemolytic, lancet shaped diplococci. Encapsulated. IgA protease. Optochin sensitive
Streptococcus pneumonia
Strep pneumo is the most common cause of which conditions?
Meningitis
Otitis media (in children)
Pneumonia
Sinusitis
Gram +, catalase -, alpha hemolytic cocci. Resistant to optochin.
Viridans group streptococci
Where are viridans group streptococci located? What can they cause?
Normal flora of the oropharynx. Streptococcus mutans and S mitis cause dental caries. S. sanguinis causes subacute bacterial endocarditis.
Gram +, catalase -, beta hemolytic cocci in chains. Bacitracin sensitive. PYR +.
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci)
What kind of infections are caused by group A strep?
Pyogenic - pharyngitis, cellulitis, impetigo, erysipelas
Toxigenic - scarlet fever, toxic shock-like syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis
Immunologic - rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis
Virulence factors for group A strep
Hyaluronic acid capsule and M protein inhibit phagocytosis
Blanching, sandpaper like body rash, strawberry tongue, and circumoral pallor in setting of group A strep pharyngitis (Erythrogenic toxin +)
Scarlet fever
Gram + cocci, beta hemolytic, bacitracin resistant. Produces CAMP factor, which enlarges the area of hemolysis by S. aureus. Hippurate test +. PYR -
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B strep)
What infections does group B strep cause?
Colonizes vagina. Causes pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, mainly in babies
When are pregnant women screen for group B strep? What is done if they are positive?
Screen at 35-37 weeks gestation. Pts with + culture receive intrapartum penicillin prophylaxis
Gram + cocci, catalase -, no hemolysis, does not grow in 6.5% NaCl
Streptococcus bovis
S. bovis is associated with?
Colon cancer
Gram + cocci, catalase -, grows in 6.5% NaCl, PYR+, variable hemolysis
Enterococci
What infections do enterococci cause?
Normal colonic flora. Penicillin G resistant and cause UTI, biliary tract infections, and subacute endocarditis (following GI/GU procedures). VRE are an important cause of nosocomial infection