Infectious Diseases Flashcards
Double-stranded DNA virus that infects skin and mucosal epithelial cells which is species-specific and require fully differentiated squamous epithelia for their life cycle
Human Papilloma Virus
HPV early proteins (E1-E7)
Responsible for DNA replication and kertinocyte immortalization
HPV late proteins (L1-L2)
Expressed in superficial epidermis and encode structural proteins required for virion formation
HPV Capsid
Contains DNA
Composed of L1 (major structural protein) and L2 (minor structural protein) – important for binding/entering epithelial cells
First to be expressed at strata basale and spinosum – control transcription of other genes + replication of viral DNA (using host cell machinery)
E1 and E2 genes
Disrupts cytokeratin network → koilocytosis
E4 protein
Allow viral replication above stratum basale → amplification
E5, E6, and E7 genes
Decrease host immune response; in high-risk mucosal subtypes are oncoproteins
E6 and E7 genes
E6 → ubiquitin-mediated p53 destruction →↓apoptosis/↑replication/↑mutations
E7 binds RB → loss of inhibition of E2F transcription factor → ↑expression of genes important for DNA replication
Genus that account for most known types
α - most of the mucosal and cutaneous HPV types
β - epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV)-associated HPV types
Common warts
HPV-1, HPV-2, HPV-4, HPV-27, and HPV-57 (can cause 10 nail dystrophy)
Hyperkeratotic papules with pinpoint black dots (thrombosed capillaries), most commonly on fingers, dorsal hands/elbows/knees
Palmar/plantar warts
HPV-1, HPV-2, HPV-4, HPV-27, and HPV-57
Thick/deep endophytic papules with black dots on palms/soles
Flat/plane warts
HPV-3, HPV-10, HPV-28, and HPV-41
Light pink/brown, soft/smooth, slightly raised, occ. linear flat-topped papules on dorsal hands/face; more common in children; adult women ≫ adult men
Butchers warts
HPV-7 and HPV-2
Extensive lesions on hands in meat/fish-handlers
Epidermodysplasia verruciformis
Genetic disorder in which host has susceptibility to genus β HPV types (HPV-3, HPV-5, HPV-8, HPV-9, HPV-12, HPV-14, HPV-15, HPV-17, HPV-19, HPV-25, HPV-36, and HPV-38)
Generalized polymorphic papules (generally flat wart-like appearance (dorsal hands, neck, face, and extremities), but also scaly, pink macules or hypopigmented, guttate macules/patches, and seborrheic keratosis-like lesions on forehead/neck/trunk) with AD inheritance – mutations in TMC6 (EVER1) and TMC8 (EVER2); acquired form may be seen in HIV
HPV types 5 and 8 can → AKs and SCC (generally patients ≥30 years old in sun-exposed areas; >30% of pts will develop SCC)
Epidermodysplasia verruciformis
WHIM syndrome
AD 1° immunodeficiency caused by a CXCR4 mutation – Warts, Hypogammaglobinemia, Infections (bacterial), and neutropenia (2° to Myelokathexis)
WILD syndrome
Warts, Immunodeficiency, Lymphedema, and Dysplasia (anogenital)
Most common STD which occur on external genitals/perineum/perianal/groin/mons/vagina/urethra/anal canal; smooth, sessile, raised, skin-colored to brown lobulated papules
Most cases resolve spontaneously within 2 years
RFs: sexual intercourse at young age, # of sexual partners, and MSM
Circumcision →↓risk HPV transmission
May → cervical cancer
Condylomata acuminata (Genital warts) HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-31, HPV-33, and HPV-45
HPV type of Condylomata acuminata with highest risk for cancer
HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-31, HPV-33, and HPV-45
Multiple brown papules/smooth plaques on genitals/perineum/perianal that are high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) or SCCIS; progression to invasive SCC is very rare; a/w high-risk HPV types
Bowenoid papulosis
Red smooth plaque on glabrous penis/vulva that is HSIL or SCCIS; increased risk of progression to invasive SCC; has high-risk HPV types
Erythroplasia of Queyrat
Part of a group of verrucous carcinomas (slow growing and locally destructive) that includes oral florid papillomatosis (HPV-6, HPV-11; RFs: smoking, radiation, and inflammation), epithelioma cuniculatum (HPV-2, HPV-11, and HPV-16), and papillomatis cutis carcinoides
HPV-6 and HPV-11
Cauliflower-like tumors that infiltrate deeply on external genitals and perianally
Buschke-Lowenstein tumor
Histology: papillomatous acanthotic epidermis with bulbous (“pushing”) downward-extending rete ridges; no cellular atypia/basement membrane penetration
Buschke-Lowenstein tumor
Histology: flat wart-like architecture + cells w/ perinuclear halos and blue-gray granular cytoplasm
Epidermodysplasia verruciformis
Multiple flat wart-like papules on gingival/buccal/labial mucosa in children (esp. South American); HPV-13 and HPV-32
Focal epithelial hyperplasia (Heck’s disease)
Papillomas of airways due to HPV-6 and HPV-11; #1 benign tumor of larynx; hoarseness + stridor + respiratory distress; childhood (2° to vertical transmission) and adulthood (2° to genital-to-oral contact) onsets; can → SCC, esp. in smokers
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Characterized by an icosahedral capsid containing linear double-stranded DNA, surrounded by a glycoprotein-containing envelope; replicate in host nucleus
Human herpes viruses
HSV-1/HHV-1
Orolabial
1° HSV can be severe (gingivostomatitis in children; pharyngitis/mononucleosis-like in adults)
Mouth (esp. buccal mucosa and gingivae; favors anterior mouth unlike herpangina) and lips (recurrent lesions prefer vermilion border) affected
HSV-2/HHV-2
Genital
1° infection often asymptomatic, but can → painful/tender erosions on external genitalia, vagina, cervix, buttocks, and perineum (women) +/− lymphadenopathy/dysuria (women mainly)
Recurrent – mildly symptomatic with few vesicles lasting about 1 week; frequency of outbreaks usually decreases over time
Latent HSV infection
virus lies dormant in sensory (dorsal root) ganglia
Pathogenesis: Herpes simplex virus
Infection can occur without clinical lesions (and often does), and virus may still be shed
HSV-1 spread by saliva/secretions and HSV-2 spread by sexual contact → viral replication at skin/mucous membrane → retrograde axonal flow to dorsal root ganglia → latency and subsequent reactivation
HSV can evade host immune system (e.g., ↓expression of CD1a by APCs, ↓TLR signaling)
Reactivation triggers: stress, UV (UVB > UVA), fever, injury (e.g., chemical peel or fractionated laser), and immunosuppression
Grouped/clustered vesicles on a red base and Can become pustules, erosions (with classic scalloped borders due to coalescence), and ulcers, ultimately crusting over and healing within 6 weeks
Herpes simplex virus
Widespread, sometimes severe HSV infection in areas of atopic dermatitis, Hailey-Hailey, or Darier’s disease (Fig. 5-2) +/− systemic symptoms, lymphadenopathy, may be life-threatening; ↑in children
Increased with filaggrin mutations
Usually HSV-1; associated with Th2 shift in immune system
Increased in patients with severe atopic dermatitis w/ onset <5 years old, ↑IgE levels, ↑eosinophils, and food/environmental allergies
Have been associated with topical calcineurin inhibitors
Eczema herpeticum
Infection of digits (HSV-1 in children and HSV-2 in adults) w/ vesiculation/pain/swelling; recurrence seen; bimodal peaks at <10 years old and 20 to 40 years old
Herpetic whitlow
HSV-1 infection 2° to athletic contact (classically on lateral neck/side of face and forearm)
Herpes gladiators
Follicle-based vesicles/pustules in beard-area (HSV-1)
HSV folliculitis (herpetic sycosis)
Keratoconjunctivitis w/ lymphadenopathy and branching dendritic corneal ulcer; blindness may occur (HSV-2 in newborns; HSV-1 otherwise)
Ocular HSV
Most common fatal viral encephalitis in the United States (>70% die without tx); can be associated with mutations in TLR-3 or UNC-93B; usually HSV-1; fever/altered mentation/strange behavior; temporal lobe #1 site
HSV encephalitis
Histology: intraepidermal vesicle + slate-gray enlarged keratinocytes (ballooning degeneration) which are multinucleated with margination of chromatin
+/− Cowdry A inclusions (eosinophilic inclusion bodies) within nucleus, epidermal necrosis, multicellular dermal infiltrate, and perivascular cuffing
Herpes simplex virus
Most common cause of EM minor
HSV-1
Varicella zoster virus (HHV-3)
Varicella is the 1° infection and herpes zoster is the reactivation of the latent infection (more common in immunosuppressed and elderly and can → death
Pathogenesis: Varicella zoster virus
Transmitted via aerosolized droplets and direct contact with lesional fluid
Contagious from 1 to 2 days before lesion develops in varicella until all lesions crusted over
After primary varicella infection, VZV travels to dorsal root ganglion and stays dormant – if reactivated later will replicate, travel down sensory nerve to the skin, and present as herpes zoster
More severe disease in adolescents and adults
Prodromal symptoms: fever, fatigue, and myalgias
Cephalocaudal progression of classic lesions described as “dew drops on rose petal:” vesicles on an erythematous base that become pustular, then crust over
Crops of lesions in various stages
Vaccine-associated varicella zoster may rarely develop after the vaccine is administered – represents mild case of chickenpox that may start at injection site
Primary Varicella
Cutaneous scarring; CNS/ocular/limb anomalies; risk greatest if infection occurs during first 20 weeks of gestation; exposed fetus may develop reactivation (herpes zoster) in childhood
Congenital varicella syndrome
Perinatal varicella transmission (within 5 days before delivery until 2 days postdelivery); disease is severe (up to 30% mortality) because of the lack of protective maternal antibodies
Neonatal varicella
Prodrome (itch, tingling, hyperesthesia, and pain) → painful grouped vesicles on red base in a dermatomal pattern; Trunk = most common location
Herpes zoster
Oain, potentially chronic, after lesions have cleared in Herpes zoster; more common, severe and chronic in elderly
Postherpetic neuralgia
Dermatomal disease + >20 lesions outside of dermatome +/− visceral involvement; almost exclusively seen in immunosuppressed (AIDS, lymphoreticular malignancy, long-term immunosuppressive medication use, etc.); increased risk of life-threatening pneumonitis and encephalitis
Disseminated Herpes zoster
Disease of geniculate ganglion of facial nerve (CN-VII) may → ear pain, vesicles on tympanic membrane and EAM; ipsilateral facial nerve paralysis, dry mouth/eyes, anterior 2/3 tongue taste loss, and auditory (e.g., deafness and tinnitus) and equilibrium issues (vestibulocochlear nerve)
Ramsay-Hunt syndrome
Ivolvement of the side and tip of nose: indicates disease of the external division of the V1 nasociliary branch; may → to ocular involvement (e.g., keratitis, uveitis, acute retinal necrosis, and visual loss) 3/4 of time
Hutchinson’s sign
Treatment: Primary varicella
Treatment with systemic acyclovir or valacyclovir within 3 days of lesion onset → ↓severity/duration disease
Oral administration appropriate in healthy children/adults
IV acyclovir in immunocompromised patients
Post-exposure prophylaxis: Varicella
Varicella vaccine may be given within 72 to 120 hours of exposure in nonimmune, immunocompetent individuals >12 months
VZIg (Varicella zoster immunoglobulin) should be administered within 96 hours of exposure in immunocompromised, pregnant females, and neonates
IVIg may alternatively be administered
Oral acyclovir can be administered within 7 to 10 days of exposure
Varicella vaccination
Live attenuated virus recommended as a 2 dose vaccination series; part of primary immunization series
Initial dose at 12 to 15 months, booster dose at 4 to 6 years
Contraindicated in pregnancy and in immunocompromised patients
Treatment: Herpes zoster
Antiviral treatment with acyclovir (IV form in immunosuppressed), famciclovir, or valacyclovir is best given within 72 hours; prednisone helps with acute pain but has no effect on course or development of PHN
↓duration of lesions/pain
↓rate of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in patients >50 years old
Valacyclovir and famciclovir preferable to acyclovir
Causes infectious mononucleosis plus many other disorders (e.g., oral hairy leukoplakia, hydroa vacciniforme, Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, genital ulcers, and various hematologic disorders/malignancies (e.g., Burkitt’s lymphoma, NK/T-cell lymphoma, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma)
Epstein-Barr virus (HHV-4)
Pathogenesis: Epstein-Barr virus (HHV-4)
transmission via saliva/blood → infects mucosal epithelial cells initially → B-cells (where virus can lay dormant and evade immune system via production of EBNA-1 protein and latent membrane protein-2)
Incubation period of 1 to 2 months; symptoms develop with viral replication
In patients with ↓cell-mediated immunity, infected B-cells may continue to replicate → lymphoproliferative disorders (cell-mediated immunity appears to be more important than humoral, conferring immunity after first mononucleosis episode)
Typically young adults w/ pharyngitis, fever, and cervical lymphadenopathy
Splenomegaly (and possible rupture) +/− hepatomegaly
↑LFTs in subset of patients
Lymphocytosis (up to 40% atypical lymphocytes)
May have nondistinct polymorphous (e.g., urticarial, morbilliform) eruption in 5% to 10% occurring within first week of illness
Centrifugal spread
Petechial lesions on eyelid and hard/soft palate junction +/− genital ulcers (esp. females)
Ampicillin/amoxicillin → “hypersensitivity” skin reaction (itchy generalized morbilliform eruption → desquamation)
Infectious Mononucleosis
Corrugated white plaque typically on lateral tongue, with strong HIV association; more common in smokers
Oral hairy leukoplakia
Nonspecific, confirms presence of IgM heterophilic antibodies which are often present in EBV infection and may persist for months after infection; 85% of older children/adults are positive during second week of infection, but is often negative in younger children
Monospot test
Higher sensitivity in younger children; can be useful in determining current vs prior infection for diagnosis of EBV
EBV-specific antibodies
Treatment: Epstein-Barr virus (HHV-4)
Supportive care
Oral corticosteroids may be considered for severe cases of tonsillitis
Avoid contact sports until splenomegaly resolves (risk for splenic rupture)
Rare sequelae: upper airway obstruction, aseptic meningitis, meningoencephalopathy, myocarditis, pericarditis, and renal failure
Transmitted via body fluids, fomites, vertical transmission, transplanted organs, and hematopoietic stem cells
Cytomegalovirus (HHV-5)
Pathogenesis: Cytomegalovirus (HHV-5)
Infects leukocytes → dissemination → various organs → latency
Most infections are asymptomatic in healthy adults; however, can cause severe disease in utero (TORCH), or in immunosuppressed/transplant patients (CMV retinitis/blindness, meningoencephalitis, pneumonitis, GI ulcers)
After the 1° infection, very low risk of reactivation, except for immunocompromised patients
Mononucleosis-like presentation (e.g., sore throat, fever, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly) may be associated with nonspecific exanthem (e.g., morbilliform)
If ampicillin given → eruption (as in infectious mononucleosis)
Recalcitrant ulcers of perineum or leg in HIV patients; these patients may also get verrucous plaques, vesicles, and/or nodules
Cytomegalovirus (HHV-5)
Histology of ulcers may show enlargement of endothelial cells with pathognomonic “owl’s eye” (intranuclear) inclusions
Cytomegalovirus (HHV-5)
One of the most common viral exanthems of childhood; up to 15% of infants may develop febrile seizures, but otherwise follows a generally benign course in healthy patients, 95% are between 6 months to 3 years of age
HHV-6 (Roseola infantum, exanthem subitum, sixth disease)
Virus remains latent in T cells for life → reactivation has been a/w pityriasis rosea (along with HHV-7) and DRESS syndrome (along with EBV, CMV and HHV-7)
HHV-6 (Roseola infantum, exanthem subitum, sixth disease)
Lymphotropic virus that shares significant homology with HHV-6 and may participate in co-infection w/HHV-6
Although not definitively causative of any disease, it has been a/w pityriasis rosea (along with HHV-6), and a subset of exanthem subitum cases (co-infection with HHV-6; unique clinical presentation)
HHV-7
Etiologic factor for Kaposi sarcoma – discussed in Neoplastic Dermatology chapter
Also associated with multicentric Castleman disease, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and paraneoplastic pemphigus
HHV-8
Infection via respiratory tract → 7 to 17 days incubation period → 1 to 4 days prodromal period (fever, headache, myalgias, and malaise) → centrifugal (face/arms/legs > trunk) vesiculopustular eruption and may involve hands/feet (lesions in any given anatomic region will be in same stage) w/ lethargic/“toxic” appearance
Rash: macule → papule → vesicle → pustules; typically scarring
Lesions first appear on palms/soles
Patients infectious from eruption onset till 7 to 10 days posteruption
Oral lesions (tongue, mouth, and oropharynx) often appear before cutaneous by lesions 1 day
Smallpox (Variola virus; Orthopox genus)
Used for live smallpox vaccine
SEs: lymphadenopathy, ocular vaccinia, generalized vaccinia, vesiculopustular/urticarial/morbilliform eruption, eczema vaccinatum (in patients with atopic dermatitis, Darier’s, or Hailey-Hailey disease), erythema multiforme, postvaccinial CNS disease, and progressive vaccinia (immunosuppressed patients; can → death)
Vaccinia (Vaccinia virus; genus = Orthopox)
Can spread via cutaneous inoculation or inhalation (hosts are monkeys, rodents, or humans)
Prodrome (fever/sweating/chills) → smallpox-like lesions, but usually milder/fewer lesions
Lesions may present in various stages and favor face and extremities (esp. palms/soles), with centrifugal spread; may scar
May have systemic symptoms (respiratory, fever, and LAD in 67%)
Central/western Africa, though United States outbreak from prairie dogs
Monkeypox (Monkeypox virus; genus = Orthopox)
Spread via cutaneous contact (hands and face) with infected animal (usually cats)
Incubates 7 days → painful red papule at contact site → vesicular → pustular → hemorrhagic → ulcer w/ eschar
Lesions usually solitary and occur on hands/fingers
Can have LAD, and fever
Europe and Asia
Cowpox (Cowpox virus; genus = Orthopox)
Develop one to few lesions at contact site (usually hands) as a result of contact with infected animals (sheep, goats, or reindeer; usually on udders/perioral areas of ewes)
RFs: certain jobs (shepherds, butchers, and veterinarians)
Self-resolves
Diagnosis via histology (depends on stage) or PCR
Orf (ecthyma contagiosum; Orf virus; genus = Parapox)
Papules at site of contact (usually muzzles of calves and teats of cows) on distal upper extremities usually with single lesion(s), which look like orf
Most common in farmers/ranchers, veterinarians, and butchers
Diagnosis via histology or PCR
Milker’s nodules (“Pseduocowpox;” Paravaccinia virus; genus = Parapox)
Common infection in school-aged children; may be sexually transmitted in adolescents/adults; spread by contact with infected skin or fomites, or possibly via water
Cause by molluscipox infection with two subtypes: MCV-I and MCV-II
Prototypical lesion is an umbilicated, pink, and pearly papule most common on intertriginous areas, torso, lower extremities, and buttocks
Lesions can become widespread in patients with impaired skin barrier (atopic dermatitis or ichthyosis) or immunodeficiency (chemotherapy-induced or HIV; may also see giant molluscum lesions)
Molluscum contagiosum (Molluscum contagiosum virus [MCV]; genus = Molluscipox
Six lesion stages of Orf
maculopapular (umbilicated) → targetoid → acute (weeping nodule) → regenerative (nodule w/ thin crust and black dots) → papillomatous → regressive (crust overlying resolving lesion)
Histology: Henderson-Patterson bodies within dermis
Molluscum contagiosum
Treatment: Molluscum contagiosum
Cryotherapy, cantharidin, extraction/curettage, cimetidine, candida antigen immunotherapy, topical retinoids, and imiquimod
Self-limited with resolution after weeks to years of infection
≤50% of newly infected patients; presents in conjunction with classic mononucleosis-like syndrome of primary HIV infection, typically within 6 weeks of transmission
Rash may be limited or widespread, is often asymptomatic, and is typically characterized by ill-defined erythematous maculopapules
Acute exanthem of primary HIV infection
Characterized by eosinophil-rich inflammatory infiltrate in or around hair follicles
Intensely pruritic, erythematous, and follicularly based papules located on the upper trunk, face, neck, and scalp
Eosinophilic folliculitis
Lesions most often occur on mobile, nonkeratinized oral mucosal surfaces, but esophageal and anogenital aphthae are not uncommon in HIV patients
Treatments: topical anesthetics, potent topical steroids, intralesional steroids, systemic corticosteroids, and thalidomide (severe or refractory disease)
Aphthous stomatitis
In HIV, often associated with β-hemolytic strep infection
Dapsone = treatment of choice
Oral antibiotics indicated for Streptococcus-associated cases
Erythema elevatum diutinum
Intensely pruritic condition commonly seen in patients with advanced HIV in developing world
May represent aberrant immunologic response to insect bites or reactivation of prior bites
Patients present with extensive, skin-colored-to-hyperpigmented, excoriated papules
Pruritic papular eruption
Group of photodistributed rashes with multiple clinical manifestations including lichenoid (most common), eczematous, hyperpigmented, and vitiliginous
Exposure to certain photosensitizing medications, particularly trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, can increase risk
Treatment difficult; strict photoprotection and topical steroids; thalidomide in refractory cases
HIV photodermatitis
Pathologic inflammatory response to preexisting antigen that develops soon after initiation of antiretroviral therapy in the setting of decreasing viral load, +/− corresponding increase in CD4+ counts; Most commonly occurs 2 weeks to 3 months after initiation of antiretroviral therapy; rarely require discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy – findings typically improve/resolve after several months
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)
HIV-Associated Dermatoses >500 cells/mm3
Acute exanthema of primary HIV infection
Seborrheic dermatitis
Oral hairy leukoplakia
Vaginal candidiasis
HIV-Associated Dermatoses <500 cells/mm3
Psoriasis Herpes zoster HPV HSV Staphylococcal infections Oropharyngeal candidiasis
HIV-Associated Dermatoses <200 cells/mm3
Kaposi sarcoma Eosinophilic folliculitis Molluscum contagiosum Major aphthae (<100) Bacillary angiomatosis Disseminated coccidiomycosis, histoplasmosis; Cryptococcus (<100) Xerosis, eczematous dermatitis, acquired ichthyosis Crusted scabies
HIV-Associated Dermatoses <50 cells/mm3
Large, nonhealing herpes simplex related ulcerations
Giant molluscum
Pruritic papular eruption
HIV photodermatitis
Caused by protease inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and to lesser extent, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; manifest as lipoatrophy (loss of fat in face, extremities, and buttocks) or lipohypertrophy (accumulation and redistribution of fat to upper back, neck, or abdomen); typically seen ≤2 years of starting therapy; associated with metabolic abnormalities (e.g., hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance)
Antiretroviral-associated lipodystrophy
Approved for treatment of antiretroviral-associated facial lipoatrophy
Poly-L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite
Can cause nail and mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation (longitudinal streaks or diffuse hyperpigmentation of fingernails/toenails)
Zidovudine
Most common antiretroviral to cause DIHS/DRESS (up to 8% patients; can be fatal); HLA-B*5701 linked
Abacavir
Most common bacterial infection in children
Impetigo
How many are carriers of S. aureus?
35% of population carry S. aureus (anterior nares>perineum>axilla, toe webs) → ↑risk impetigo
Non-bullous impetigo
70%): S. aureus (>Streptococcus pyogenes); children > adults
Most commonly see erosion + “honey-colored” crust; affects traumatized, abraded, or eczematous skin; most commonly face (perioral/perinasal); self-resolves in 2 weeks
Histology: neutrophilic microvesiculopustules, spongiosis, and Gram(+) cocci
Bullous impetigo
(30%): phage group II (types 55 and 71) S. aureus → produce exfoliatoxins A and B (ETA and ETB) → cleaves desmoglein 1 → subcorneal/intragranular acantholysis
Children > adults; presents with (p/w) flaccid bullae + erosions w/ collarette of scale, minimal surrounding erythema; affects intact skin, has more generalized distribution
Histology: subcorneal/intragranular acantholysis, neutrophils in blister cavity, Gram(+) cocci
Treatment: Impetigo
Localized: topical Mupirocin, retapamulin, or fusidic acid
Widespread: oral β-lactamase resistant PCN or first generation CSN or clindamycin
Complicated: IV ceftriaxone
Used for patients w/ recurrent infections; topical mupirocin BID to nares for 7 to 10 days +/− skin decolonization w/ mupirocin ointment or chlorhexidine washes
Decolonization
Most common form of bacterial folliculitis; most commonly on face (beard area typically)
S. aureus folliculitis
S. aureus folliculitis - Superficial form (Bockhart’s impetigo)
small papulopustules on erythematous background
S. aureus folliculitis - Deep form (“sycosis barbae”)
large red papulopustules +/− plaques with small pustules
Bacterial folliculitis seen in acne patients on long-term ABX
Gram(-) folliculitis
Bacterial folliculitis a/w poorly chlorinated hot tubs/whirlpools
Pseudomonal folliculitis
T/F: No risk of rheumatic fever from streptococcal impetigo
True
Collections of pus, most commonly from S. aureus (often MRSA); may be complicated by surrounding cellulitis/phlebitis
Abscesses/Furuncles/Carbuncles
Inflamed and fluctuant nodule; arises on any site
Abscess
Only occurs in a/w hair follicles/on hair-bearing sites (“FURuncle = FURry sites”); head/neck (#1 site) >intertriginous zones, thighs, other sites of friction
Furuncle
Collection of furuncles, often deeper w/ multiple draining sinuses; most often affects thick skin of posterior neck, back, and thighs; systemic symptoms typically present
Carbuncle
Most common cause of purulent infections presenting to ED; most commonly p/w furunculosis mistaken clinically for “spider bite”; may be a/w cellulitis, and necrotic plaques (>necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome)
MRSA
Pathogenesis: MRSA
Resistance because of mecA gene (encodes penicillin-binding protein, PBP2a) →↓affinity for β-lactams
Pathogenesis: CA-MRSA
Also has Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) virulence factor; a/w increased virulence, leading to more severe necrosis of skin and other tissues
Most commonly infants/young children (low mortality, <5%) who lack neutralizing antibodies and have ↓renal clearance
Also seen in adults w/ CRF (high mortality, >50%); M > F (2–4 : 1)
p/w febrile prodrome, widespread skin tenderness; skin eruption begins on face (periorificial radial fissuring) and intertriginous zones → generalizes within 48 hours as wrinkled-appearing skin w/ flaccid bullae and (+)Nikolsky sign → desquamation continues for up to 1 week, then heals without scarring
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS)
Pathogenesis: Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS)
Infection by phage group II (types 55 and 71) S. aureus at a different/distant site → production of exfoliatoxins A & B (ETA, ETB)→exfoliatoxins disseminate via bloodstream→widespread cleavage of Dsg1 → subcorneal/intragranular acantholysis
Histology: Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS)
Resembles P. foliaceus; lacks inflammatory cells and bacteria in blisters (vs bullous impetigo)
Treatment: Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS)
Mild disease: β-lactamase resistant PCN (dicloxacillin) or first generation CSN (cephalexin)
Severe disease: hospitalization + IV ABX
T/F: Most common primary sites of infection in children = nasopharynx or conjunctivae
True
Severe multisystem disease with cutaneous and internal involvement (renal > GI, MSK, CNS, hepatic, hematologic, and mucosal); typically affects young, healthy adults; occult primary site of infection; p/w high fever (>102°F) + rash + systemic symptoms + hypotension (100%)
Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (S-TSS)
Menstrual TSS
<50% of cases; young women w/ superabsorbent tampons; mortality rate less than 5%
Nonmenstrual TSS
> 50%; M = F; a/w nasal packing, surgery, skin, or internal infections; mortality rate <20%
Mucocutaneous eruption classically starts w/ scarlantiniform eruption (initially on trunk → becomes generalized), redness and edema of palms/soles, “red strawberry tongue,” conjunctival hyperemia → palmoplantar desquamation (1 to 3 weeks later), Beau’s lines, onychomadesis; usually negative blood cultures (<15% positive); low mortality
Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (S-TSS)
Pathogenesis: Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (S-TSS)
Production of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) by certain strains of S. aureus → TSST-1 acts as superantigen, binding to Vβ region of TCR and class II MHC on APCs → nonspecific activation of T-cells + cytokine storm (↑TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, TLR2, and TLR4)
Treatment: Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (S-TSS)
β-lactamase resistant ABX, clindamycin (suppresses toxin production) +/− IVIG; IV fluids for hypotension
T/F: Staph-TSS has lower mortality (3%–20% vs 30%–60%) vs Strep-TSS
True
S. aureus infection of skeletal muscle; usually have predisposing factors (immunosuppression, diabetes, trauma, and IVDA); p/w 1 to 2 week febrile prodrome, muscle pain, and a soft tissue mass w/ surrounding woody induration → muscle abscess +/− septicemia
Pyomyositis
Best diagnostic tool for S aureus Pyomyositis
MRI
Deep granulomatous and suppurative infection most frequently caused by S. aureus; may extend to skeletal muscle and bone; affects all ages; a/w ↓T-cell counts and other defects in cellular immunity; 70% have skin-limited disease (rarely visceral in severely immunosuppressed patients; lung most common); p/w deep, ulcerative plaques/nodules with multiple draining sinuses that drain yellow granules
Botromycosis
Histology: Botromycosis
Large granules w/ basophilic center (nonfilamentous bacteria) and eosinophilic/hyaline periphery (Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon; comprised of IgG and C3 deposits), granules are surrounded by abscess and granulomatous inflammation; granules are PAS(+), Giemsa(+), and Gram(+)
Treatment: Botromycosis
Surgical debridement + antistaphylococcal antibiotics
Deep variant of impetigo; most common in children; caused by Streptococcus pyogenes; p/w few vesicopustules, most commonly on legs → develop into “punched-out” ulcers with purulent base and hemorrhagic crust → slowly self-resolves w/ scarring; frequently as a result of scratching bug bites
Ecthyma
Histology: Ecthyma
Well-circumscribed ulcer w/ overlying impetiginized scale crust and dense underlying dermal neutrophilic inflammation
Treatment: Ecthyma
β-lactamase resistant PCN (dicloxacillin) or first generation CSN (cephalexin)
More superficial variant of cellulitis (upper-mid dermis vs deep dermis/SQ) with sharply defined (“ridge-like”) borders, fiery-red color, and pain or burning sensation; prominent lymphatic involvement; most common sites = lower extremity (#1 site) > face; lymphedema is major risk factor; caused by group A β-hemolytic strep
Erysipelas (“St. Anthony’s Fire”)
Diagnosis: Erysipelas
Wound/blood cultures usually negative; best confirmatory tests = ↑DNase B and ASO titers
Treatment: Erysipelas
Penicillin (treatment of choice) for 10 to 14 days; erythromycin if PCN-allergic
Classically boys >4 years old; p/w sharply defined red plaques spreading up to 3 cm from anus; a/w pain upon defecation, blood in stool, guttate psoriasis outbreak
Labs: skin culture confirmatory
Perianal streptococcal skin infection
Treatment: Perianal streptococcal skin infection
Oral cefuroxime (treatment of choice) or penicillin (slightly less effective)
Initially p/w darkening of skin of distal finger (>toe) volar fat pad → progresses to purulent vesicle/bulla on erythematous background within 1 week; affects children; as a result of picking of nose or local skin trauma; S. pyogenes > S. aureus
Blistering distal dactylitis
Treatment: Blistering distal dactylitis
I&D + 10-day course oral β-lactam
Affects young children (1–10 years old); caused by group A β-hemolytic streptococcus → produces streptococcal pyrogenic toxins A, B, and C (SPE-A, B, and C); most commonly in setting of streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis; p/w sore throat, high fevers, and systemic symptoms → 1 to 2 days later, macular erythema on upper trunk/neck → soon develop classic “sandpaper-like” papular eruption, Pastia’s lines (linear petechiae; favors flexural sites), flushed cheeks with circumoral pallor, and “white strawberry tongue” (white background + red papillae) → later “red strawberry tongue,” purulent exudate from throat → 1 to 2 weeks later, palmoplantar desquamation
Scarlet Fever
Treatment: Scarlet Fever
PCN (treatment of choice), amoxicillin, or erythromycin (if PCN allergic)
Complications: Scarlet Fever
Acute glomerulonephritis
Rheumatic fever
Affects young/healthy adults, is more severe w/ higher mortality (30%–60%), usually a/w florid skin/soft-tissue infections (often necrotizing fasciitis vs occult infections in Staph-TSS), much less frequent generalized macular erythematous rash, and far more frequent blood culture positivity (>50%)
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
Most common primary source of Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
Skin infection from skin barrier breakdown (excoriation, bug bite, and infected surgical site)
Classically p/w severe localized pain in extremity w/ redness, swelling or necrotizing fasciitis → within 24 to 48 hours, systemic symptoms (hypotension [100%])
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
Pathogenesis: Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
Group A β-hemolytic strep (M types 1 and 3) produce various toxins:
SPE A, B, and C
Streptococcal mitogenic toxin Z (SMEZ)
Streptolysin O
Toxins act as superantigens, binding to Vβ region of TCR and class II MHC on APCs → nonspecific activation of T-cells + cytokine storm (↑TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, TLR2, and TLR4)
Treatment: Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
Most cases severe, requiring hospitalization + surgical debridement of soft-tissue infection (possibly fasciotomy or amputation) + clindamycin (inhibits toxin production) + PCN +/− IVIG
Infection of deep dermis/SQ most commonly affecting adults w/ skin barrier disruption; p/w tender/red/warm, ill-defined plaques w/ fever/chills/lymphangitis, in severe cases, may see necrosis, bullae, vesicles; most commonly caused by group A β-hemolytic strep > S. aureus (most common cause in children); most common sites: head/neck (children), lower extremities (adults), and IV injection sites on arms (IVDA)
Cellulitis
Treatment: Cellulitis
Uncomplicated cases: oral dicloxacillin, cephalexin, or clindamycin for 10 days (must empirically cover for Staph and Strep)
Cellulitis a/w diabetic/decubitus ulcers: piperacillin/tazobactam, or ciprofloxacin + metronidazole
Severe cases: hospitalize and IV antibiotics
MRSA cellulitis: TMP/SMX, minocycline/doxycycline, and clindamycin
Rapidly progressive, life-threatening (up to 50% mortality) necrotizing infection of skin, SQ, and fascia; most common site = extremities (>trunk); caused by group A β-hemolytic strep M types 1 and 3 (#1 cause in children) or polymicrobial (#1 cause in adults; mixture of Streptococci, S. aureus, E. coli, Clostridium, and Bacteroides)
Necrotizing fasciitis
Initially p/w severely painful indurated/”woody” plaque (“pain out of proportion to visible skin changes”) → over 1 to 2 days and rapidly progresses → color changes from erythematous → dusky purple/gray +/− hemorrhagic bullae/ulceration, crepitus, foul-smelling discharge; patients always severely toxic-appearing (fever, tachycardia, and septic shock) → late in course and skin becomes anesthetic (nerves destroyed)
Necrotizing fasciitis
Necrotizing fasciitis of genitalia/perineum/lower abdominal wall
Fournier’s gangrene
Polymicrobial Necrotizing fasciitis arising as a postoperative complication
Meleney’s gangrene
Treatment: Necrotizing fasciitis
Fasciotomy + IV abx (piperacillin/tazobactam + clindamycin + ciprofloxacin)
Risk factors: Necrotizing fasciitis
Diabetes Immunosuppression PVD CRF Trauma IVDA Recent surgery
Prognostic factors a/w ↑mortality: Necrotizing fasciitis
Older age ↑time to first debridement ↑extent of infection Females ↑lactic acid ↑creatinine
Caused by C. minutissimum (Gram(+) filamentous rod)
Affects stratum corneum of moist, intertriginous zones (groin and toe webs (particularly fourth) > axillae, inframammary, umbilicus, and intergluteal)
Fluoresces “coral red” w/ Wood lamp (bacterial coproporphyrin III production)
Groin: light red-pink slightly scaly patches w/ thin scale
Toe webs: chronic, asymptomatic fissuring and maceration
Histology: filamentous Gram(+) rods within stratum corneum
Erythrasma
Treatment: Erythrasma
Localized: 20% aluminum chloride, topical clindamycin/erythromycin
Widespread/recalcitrant: oral erythromycin and tetracyclines
Caused by Kytococcus sedentarius, which digests keratin in stratum corneum
Noninflammatory infection of weight-bearing areas of plantar (>palmar) skin
p/w small crateriform pits and foul odor → may coalesce into arciform pits
RFs: hyperhidrosis and occlusion
Histology: sharply demarcated, deep pits in stratum corneum with Gram(+) bacteria at base of pits
Pitted Keratolysis
Treatment: Pitted Keratolysis
Topical erythromycin (or clindamycin, mupirocin, and azole antifungals) +/− 20% aluminum chloride, or botulinum toxin for hyperhidrosis
Asymptomatic, adherent yellow-red concretions on axillary hair shafts; fluoresces with Wood lamp; caused by Corynebacterium tenuis
Trichomycosis axillaris
Treatment: Trichomycosis axillaris
Shaving of axillary hair (treatment of choice); may use topical erythromycin/clindamycin
Very rapid, potentially fatal necrotizing soft tissue infection with localized gas production (“gas gangrene”); caused by Clostridium perfringens (Gram(+), spore-forming rod) - obligate anaerobe (only reproduces in hypoxic tissues)
Clostridial anaerobic cellulitis and myonecrosis
Due to traumatic inoculation (surgery or crush/penetrating injuries) of C. perfringens into oxygen-poor deep tissues; bacteria produces two pathogenic toxins: α-toxin (cleaves lipids) and perfringolysin (induces vascular clots and worsens tissue hypoxia) → bacteria proliferates freely in anaerobic environment, producing CO2 and cleaving lipids → clinically p/w crepitus, foul-smelling brown exudate (“dirty dishwater” color), w/ variable skin changes
RFs: diabetes, PVD
Clostridial anaerobic cellulitis and myonecrosis
Treatment: Clostridial anaerobic cellulitis and myonecrosis
Immediate aggressive surgical debridement (most important) + clindamycin and third gen CSN +/− hyperbaric oxygen
Agent: Actinomycosis
Actinomyces israelii
Caused by gram(+), nonacid fast, and anaerobic/microaerophilic filamentous bacteria which are part of normal flora of mouth, GI/GU tracts → infection arises after trauma (dental procedures or surgical interventions); subacute-chronic granulomatous lesions with suppurating abscesses + sinus tracts
Actinomycosis
Most common form of Actinomycosis, accounts for 70%): “lumpy jaw disease,” red-brown nodules with fistulous abscesses draining characteristic yellow sulfur
Cervicofacial Actinomycosis
Histology: Actinomycosis
Dense granulomatous and suppurative inflammation with “granules” with basophilic center (Gram(+) branching filaments of Actinomyces) and eosinophilic rim (Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon)
Treatment: Actinomycosis
Penicillin G or ampicillin
Chronic or deep-seated infections: 2 to 6 weeks of IV abx followed by 3 to 12 months of oral PCN
Acute infections: 2 to 3 weeks of oral PCN + I&D of abscesses + surgical excision of sinus tracts
Half of all cases are caused by the Gram(+), weakly acid-fast, filamentous bacteria; traumatic inoculation causes a painless nodule that enlarges, suppurates, and drains via the sinus tracts; purulent discharge contains sulfur granules; foot is the usual site of involvement but may involve underlying muscle and bone
Nocardiosis
Histology: Nocardiosis
Intense neutrophilic infiltrate + sulfur granules (only seen in actinomycotic mycetoma form); branching filaments are Gram(+), AFB+ (Fite > Ziehl-Neelsen), and GMS+
Treatment: Nocardiosis
Sulfonamides (treatment of choice) +/− surgical drainage
Agent: Bacillus anthracis - Gram(+), spore-forming rod
Anthrax
Arises via occupational exposure (“Woolsorter’s disease”) from direct contact w/ infected animals/carcasses and presents 1 week postexposure with purpuric papulovesicle (“malignant pustule”) that drains serosanguinous fluid → vesicle ulcerates to form painless/black/necrotic eschar w/ satellite vesicles and edema; most common and least lethal form
Cutaneous anthrax
Treatment: Anthrax
First line (cutaneous anthrax): quinolone or doxycycline ×2 weeks (treat for 60 days if suspect bioterrorism or possible inhalation exposure)
Virulence factors: Anthrax
- Poly-D-glutamic acid capsule (resists phagocytosis)
- Lethal toxin = protective antigen + lethal factor (↑TNF-α and IL-1β → septic shock, death)
- Edema toxin = protective antigen + edema factor (↑cAMP → edema)
Acute, self-limited infection; occupational disease of fisherman or poultry/fish handlers; as a result of traumatic inoculation of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (Gram(+) rod); most commonly p/w localized form: red-violaceous nonsuppurative cellulitis +/− hemorrhagic vesicles; classically affects finger web spaces w/ sparing of terminal phalanges
Erysipeloid
Treatment: Erysipeloid
Penicillin (treatment of choice), ciprofloxacin (if PCN allergic)
Most commonly affects pregnant women, elderly, and the immunosuppressed as GI illness caused by the ingestion of Listeria monocytogenes (motile Gram(+) rod) → fever, bacteremia, and meningitis; rarely see skin lesions – mostly occurs in setting of neonatal septicemia (from vertical transmission), which p/w disseminated papules/pustules/vesicles
Listeria
Treatment: Listeria
First line: ampicillin
Second line: TMP/SMX
Green/blue-black nail discoloration; a/w excessive water exposure, nail trauma; from P.aeuruginosa pyocyanin pigment production
Green nail syndrome
Treatment: Green nail syndrome
Topical quinolone, vinegar soaks, or aminoglycoside solution × 4 months
Superficial erosive infection w/ blue-green purulent exudate, “moth-eaten” appearance to skin surface, with “mousy” or “grape-like” odor; may arise at burn sites, in mixed toe web infections, and other chronic wounds
Pseudomonal pyoderma
Treatment: Pseudomonal pyoderma
Systemic antipseudomonal antibiotics, topical antiseptics, debridement, and drying agents
P. aeuruginosa infection of external auditory canal; p/w edema, skin maceration, and purulent green exudate; tympanic membrane intact; classically severe pain upon pinna manipulation
Otitis externa (“swimmer’s ear”)
Severe variant of otitis externa usually only in diabetics or immunosuppressed; persistent drainage w/ excessive granulation tissue extending to bony portion of ear → may result in osteomyelitis of skull base
Malignant otitis externa
Self-resolving P. aeuruginosa infection arising from poorly chlorinated hot tubs/whirlpools; p/w red, perifollicular papulopustules 1 to 2 days postexposure; commonly affects areas covered by bathing suit; spontaneously resolves within 2 weeks
Pseudomonal folliculitis (“hot tub folliculitis”)
Self-resolving P. aeuruginosa infection arising from wading in pools w/ high concentrations of Pseudomonas; p/w painful, red-violaceous plaques/nodules on weight-bearing areas of plantar surface
Histology: identical to idiopathic palmoplantar hidradenitis
Pseudomonas hot-foot syndrome
Cutaneous lesion indicative of P. aeuruginosa septicemia; most commonly occurs in immunosuppressed patients w/ severe neutropenia (often BMT patients); p/w a small number of purpuric macules → progresses to hemorrhagic bullae → bullae rupture → ulcer w/ necrotic black eschar and tender, red skin surrounding eschar; most common sites = anogenital region and extremities
Histology: sharply demarcated epidermal necrosis w/ hemorrhagic crust, and underlying dermal infarction w/ septic vasculitis (Gram(-) rods in vessel walls)
Ecthyma Gangrenosum
Treatment: Ecthyma Gangrenosum
IV aminoglycoside + antipseudomonal PCN
Prognostic factors a/w poor outcome in Ecthyma Gangrenosum
↑# lesions
Delay in diagnosis
Prolonged neutropenia
Small, facultative intracellular Gram(-) bacilli that cause that can cause cat scratch disease, bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatitis, trench fever, and Carrion’s disease/Oroya fever/verruga peruana
Bartonella
Bartonellosis (Carrion’s disease, Oroya fever, and verruga peruana)
Bartonella bacilliformis
Vector: Bartonellosis
Phlebotomine sand fly (Lutzomyia verrucarum)
Reservoir/host: Bartonellosis
Human