Immunocompromise I

Question 1

list factors of the immune defense that alter the microbiome when they are altered:

Answer 1

• flow
• skin and mucosal integrity
• pH and other chemical factors
• normal flora
• gravity and mobility

Question 2

list the anatomical regions where flow occurs (and is critical to preventing infection!):

Answer 2

• blood vessels
• lymphatics
• cerebral ventricles
• salivary glands
• respiratory tract
• heart
• GI tract
• urinary tract

Question 3

Gravity keeps flora in its proper zone.

What kind of bacteria mainly colonize the mouth?

The colon?

Answer 3

mouth: gram +, oral anaerobes
colon: gram -, gut anaerobes

Question 4

what are examples of altered skin and mucosal integrity?

Answer 4

• bed sores
• surgical site infections
• burn wounds
• intravenous drug use
• febrile neutropoenia

Question 5

what parts of the body are particularly prone to bed sores?

Answer 5

“dependent” body parts:

• occiput
• sacrum
• heel

Question 6

What are the common infections resulting from introduction of the microbiome to the IV sites in IV drug users:

What is the major bacteria to look out for here?

Answer 6

• local abscesses
• cellulitis
• right-sided infective endocarditis

Staph aureus

Question 7

What are the most common causes of altered microbiomes?

Answer 7

• antibiotics

- poor infx control/public health measures

Question 8

what are two examples of altered microbiome resulting in infection?

Answer 8

• C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)

- Candida infection

Question 9

what bacteria are prosthetic devices predisposed to infection by?

Answer 9

coagulase-negative staphylococci (which form biofilms)