L4. Gram positive Infections

Question 1

How does the peptidoglycan composition differ between Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria?​

Answer 1

neg = thin, between inner and outer
pos = thick, multilayered

Question 2

What is the role of teichoic acid in Gram positive bacteria’s cell wall?​

Answer 2

structural integrity and virulence:
Confer rigidity: Teichoic acids contribute to the structural integrity of the cell wall, providing rigidity and stability to the bacterial cell.

Regulate cell division: Teichoic acids are involved in the regulation of cell division by influencing the cell wall architecture and ensuring proper cell growth and division.

Resistance to environmental stresses: Teichoic acids help Gram positive bacteria resist environmental stresses such as changes in temperature, osmotic pressure, and exposure to certain antimicrobial agents.

Interact with host cells: Some teichoic acids can interact with host cells and contribute to the pathogenicity of Gram positive bacteria by promoting adhesion to host tissues and modulating immune responses.

Question 3

What is the significance of superbugs in the context of healthcare-associated infections?​

Answer 3

Increased morbidity and mortality: Superbugs can cause infections that are difficult to treat, leading to higher rates of morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) among affected patients.

Prolonged hospital stays: Patients infected with superbugs often require longer hospital stays for treatment, leading to increased healthcare costs and resource utilization.

Limited treatment options: Antibiotic resistance in superbugs reduces the effectiveness of many traditional antibiotics, leaving healthcare providers with fewer treatment options and sometimes resorting to more toxic or less effective drugs.

Transmission within healthcare settings: Superbugs can spread rapidly within healthcare facilities, leading to outbreaks and increased risk of infection among patients, healthcare workers, and visitors.

Challenges in infection control: Controlling the spread of superbugs within healthcare settings is challenging due to their resistance to disinfectants and ability to persist in the environment.

Question 4

Describe some characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus and explain why it is a dangerous pathogen​

Question 5

What are some virulence factors produced by Staphylococcus aureus?​

Question 6

what is pantin

Question 7

describe the pathophysiology of staphlococcus aureus (including toxins)