Microbiology Flashcards
Describe the characteristics of Gram positive bacteria, and give examples.
Stain purple with gram stain.
Simpler cell wall than gram negative, but a thicker peptidoglycan layer.
2 main cell wall layers- peptidoglycan (with lipotechoic acid and techoic acid), and then an inner/cytoplasmic membrane.
Are less resistant to antibiotics.
Examples: streptococcus, staphylococcus, Bacillus, Chlostridium, Listeria
Describe the characteristics of Gram negative bacteria, and give examples.
Stain pink with gram stain.
More complex cell wall: lipopolysaccharide, then an outer phospholipid membrane, petidoglycan then inner membrance.
More resistant to antibiotics.
Outer membrane with LPS- lipid portion is toxic and can cause fever and shock.
Examples: E.coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, cyanobacteria, proteobacteria, helicobacter.
Where are lactobacilli normally found in the body?
Vagina
Where are candida albicans normally found in the body?
Vagina, mouth, skin
How are streptococcus bacteria arranged?
In a chain of cocci (spheres)
How are staphylococcus bacteria arranged?
In a bunch of cocci (spheres)
What are the 4 main components of bacteria which antibiotics target?
- Cell wall- Beta lactams (Penicillins, Cephalosporins and Carbapenems) and Glycopeptides (Vancomycin and Teicoplanin)
- Protein synthesis (Tetracyclines eg, Doxycycline, Aminoglycosides eg Gentamycin, Macrolides eg. Erythromycin and Streptogramins eg. Pristamycin)
- Folate synthesis (Trimethoprim or Sulfonamides eg. Sulfadiazine)
- DNA synthesis - Quinolones (Ciprofloxacin) or Metronidazole
How do Beta lactam antibiotics work? Give examples. What are their common significant side effects?
Beta lactams include Penicillins eg, Amoxicillin, Cephalosporins eg. Cephalexin, and Carbapenems eg. Imipenem.
Bind transpeptidases, preventing peptidoglycan cross-linkage.
Side effects include hyposensitivity, CNS toxicity and seizures, and increased risk of GI disturbances and C. Difficile.
How do Glycopeptides work? Give examples. What are their common significant side effects?
Glycopeptides (eg. Vancomycin and Teicoplanin) work by binding peptides in peptidoglycan, to inhibit cross-linking.
Side effects include Nephrotoxicity and Red man syndrome (an infusion related hypersensitivity reaction)
How do Tetracyclines work? Give examples. What are their common significant side effects?
Tetracyclins (eg. Doxycycline) work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, by binding to the 30S ribosome subunit.
Side effects include Binding to teeth and causing staining.
How do Aminoglycosides work?Give examples. What are their common significant side effects?
eg Gentamycin.
Prevent bacterial protein synthesis, by binding the 30S ribosome subunit.
Side effects include being nephrotoxic and ototoxic.
How do Quinolones work? Give examples.
Quinolones include Ciprofloxacin and Moxifloxacin.
They work by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis, by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase.
Describe the process of gram staining.
- Add Crystal violet.
- Fix with iodine.
- Wash with acetone.
- Counterstain with neutral red.
How do Sulfonamide antibiotics work? give examples of side effects.
Inhibit folate synthesis, by preventing addition of para-amino benzoic acid to folic acid.
Side effects include Steven-Johnson syndrome, skin rash.
Give examples of Gram positive bacteria.
Bacilli- Aerobic = Listeria, Bacillus
Anaerobic= C.diff
Cocci- Staph eg. S.aureus, S.epidermidis
Strep- S.pneumoniae, S.pyogenes
Give examples of Gram negative bacteria
Diplococci: Neisseria meningitidis, N. Gonorrhoea
Coccobacilli: Haem influenzae, Brucella, B.pertussis
Bacilli: Shigella, Salmonella, E.coli, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Enterobacter
Name some infections of the skin epidermis.
Impetigo
Folliculitis
Furunculosis
Name 2 infections of the skin dermis.
Carbunculosis
Erysipelas (rare)
Name 2 infections of the subcuntaneus layer of skin.
Cellulitis
Necrotising fascitis
What is impetigo?
Infection of epidermis
More common in children
Golden crusts on erythematous skin
What is folliculitis?
Infected hair follicle- often the scalp and groin.
How is folliculitis treated?
Flucloxacillin
What is furunculosis?
Deep inflammation due to folliculitis
What is a carbuncle?
Boil in the dermis, extending into subcutaneous layer
Abscess forms
What is cellulitis and where does it appear?
Inflammation of dermis/ subcutaneous layer Often lower limbs, unilateral Red, hot, swollen, painful No necrosis May be red halo around a joint
How is cellulitis treated?
Penicillin V AND Flucloxacillin
Which bacteria usually causes cellulitis?
S. Aurues
Occaisionally S. pyogenes
What results may be found on a blood test of a patient with cellulitis?
Raised WCC and CRP
What is erysipelas and where might it be found?
Rare
Infection of dermis/subcutaneous layer or face/legs
Clear border, raised orange peel appearance
Which Bacteria usually causes Erysipelas?
Group A Strep
How is Erysipelas treated?
Penicillin
What are the 3 stages of necrotising fascitis?
- Acute- trauma and pain disproportionate to injury. Flu like symptoms
- Advanced- purple swelling
- Critical- toxic shock, drop in BP, unconscious
Which bacteria usually cause necrotising fascitis?
Group A Strep
Which bacteria causes gas gangrene?
Chlostridium perfringens
Which bacteria usually cause Septic arthritis?
S. aureus
Strep
N. Gonorrhoea
Gram negative bacilli
What are the risk factors for septic arthritis?
Joint disease
Immunosuppression
Recent joint surgery
Diabetes, CKD
Which joint is most commonly affected by septic arthritis?
Knee
How is septic arthritis treated?
IV Flucloxacillin
May need debridement
What is osteomyelitis?
Bone infection
Often in long bones of legs, arms or back
How is osteomyelitis treated?
Flucloxacillin
What is a dermatophyte infection?
Fungal infection of skin also known as tinea
How are dermatophyte infections treated?
Antifungals eg. Nystatin, Canestan
If drug resistant or invasive use Fluconazole
What are the 2 most common causes of soft tissue infections?
S. Aureus
S. Pyogenes
Treponema pallidum causes which STI?
Syphillis
What type of bacteria is Gonorrhoea?
Gram neg diplococci
How is a gonorrhoea infection treated?
Penicillin
If allergic: Cephalosporin or Ciprofloxacin
What type of bacteria is Chlamydia?
Gram negative
Obligate intracellular so cant grow on culture media
Has elementary body and reticulate body
How is chlamydia treated?
Tetracyclines eg. Doxycycline
What type of organism is Trichomonas vaginalis?
Protozoa with flagella