Microbiology Flashcards
What is the normal pH of the vagina?
acidic - 4.5
What organism predominates in the vagina and is protective?
lactobacillis - gram +ve bacilli
What do lactobacillis produce?
lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide
What exist in small numbers in the vagina?
candida
group B haemolytic strep
strep viridens
What organism commonly causes candida infection?
Candida albicans
What predisposes to a candida infection?
recent antibiotic therapy
high oestrogen levels
poorly controlled diet
immunocomprimised patients
How does candida present?
“cottage cheese”
intensely itchy white vaginal discharge
What swab is done for candida?
high vaginal for culture
What is the treatment of candida?
AZOLE
topical clotrimazole pessentery or cream
oral fluconazole
What is candida balantis?
spotty rash on the tip of a males penis
Is candida balantis sexually transmitted?
NO
What organism causes gonorrhoea?
nisseria gonnorhea
What does nisseria gonnorhea look like on microscopy?
gram negative intracellular diplococcus
What is the action of nisseria gonnorhea?
attaches to host epithelial cells and is endocytosed into the cell to then replicate within the host cell and be released into the subepithelial space
How is gonnorhoea diagnosed?
1st line - NAATS
2nd line - swab of pus + culture
How does gonnorhea present?
purulent discharge
can infect the urethra, rectum, throat, and eyes
endocervix in females
Is gonnorhea always symptomatic?
NO - 50% of women with it have no symptoms
What happens to a baby if the pregnant mother has gonnorhea?
sticky eyes
What is the benefit of doing NAATs over culture?
the organism dies quickly so better to look for DNA remnants
How is gonnorhea treated?
IM Ceftriaxone 1G
What are possible gonorrhea complications for males?
tysonitis
rectal and periurethral abscesses
epididymis
prostatitis
What are possible gonorrhea complications for females?
bartholinitis rectal and periurethral abscesses PID endometritis ectopic pregnancy hydrosalphinix infertility
What is the most common bacterial STI?
chlamidya
What serovar corresponds to the genital infection?
D-K
What does serovars A-C correspond to?
trachoma - eye infection
NOT AN STI
What does serovars L1-L3 correspond to?
lymphogranuloma venerum (LGV)
What is LGV?
occurs in those who are from tropical places and MSM
histologically identical to crohns disease
How does LGV present?
rectal pain
discharge
bleeding
What organism causes chlamidya?
chlamidya trachomatis
How is chlamidya tachomatis seen on histology?
intracellular bacteria
surrounding inflammatory cells
no peptidoglycan so doesnt stain on gram staining - gram negative
What type of female swab is done for both chlamidya and gonorrhea?
vulvo-vaginal swab - can be self taken
What is done to diagnose chlamidya?
NAATS - 1st line done after 14 days
PCR
What male swab is done for chlamidya?
first pass urine