Gram positive bacteria

Question 1

Staphylococci

Answer 1

Staphylococcus aureus:
-normal inhabitant of the skin present in the nose
- numerous infections inc. food poisoning, skin/soft tissue infection, toxic shock syndrome
MRSA:
- resistant to penicillin
- common in elderly, surgical wounds, intensive care, catheters
- vancomycin is the available treatment
Staphylococcus epidermis:
- cannula, long lines, indwelling medical device, catheters

Question 2

Streptococci

Answer 2

Strep pneumonia: 
- colonises nasopharynx 
- causes: Sinusitis, Otitis media, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Septicaemia, Septic arthritis
- treat with antibiotics (vancomycin) 
-prevention = vaccination
Pneumococcal meningitis
- symptoms (adults): headache, fever, nausea/vomiting, blotchy red rash
- symptoms (

Question 3

Group A Streptococci

Answer 3

GAS infections - Strep throat/bacterial pharyngitis
- complications: scarlet fever, quinsy, sinusitis
- treat with oral antibiotics
GAS Infections – Skin (Impetigo)
- often seen in children
- bullae (blisters) → Burst (yellow discharge) → Crusts
- treat with oral antibiotics (e.g.) flucloxacillin
GAS Infections - Skin (Cellulitis)
- enters skin via trauma or a previous lesion/boil
- diffuse, rapid spreading, hot, red skin
- caused by S. pyogenes and S. aureus (and MRSA)
- treatment is anti staph/strep antibiotics

Question 4

Clostridium

Answer 4

C. perfringens and gas gangrene:
- spore makes its way into wound 
- germinates and produces toxins
- foul discharge and pain
- possible amputation
C. diff:
- lives in the gut and is spore forming
- risk factors are over 65s and antibiotic consumptiom
- can cause pseudomembranous colitis:
> inflammation of the colon
> diarrhoea (offensive smelling), abdominal pain, fever
> can lead to toxic mega colon
- treatment is vancomycin