Session 5 - Infections On Surfaces Flashcards
Why is it important to consider surface infections?
- They are important as they are avoidable
- Important to consider when using prosthetics
Name some natural external surface infections.
- Cellulitis
- Pharyngitis
- Conjunctivitis
- UTI’s
- Pneumonia
Name some internal surface infections.
- Endocarditis
- Vasculitis
- Septic arthritis
- Osteomyelitis
- Empyema
Name some prosthetic surfaces which could have surface infections on them.
- IV lines
- Prosthetic joints
- Cardiac valves
- Pacing Wires
- Endovascular Grafts
What are the usual causative organisms for surface infections of prosthetic joints?
Coagulase -ve Staph + Staph Aureus
What are the basic steps for pathogenesis of an organism on a surface?
- Adherence to surface (natural or prosthetic)
- Biofilm formation
- Invasion and Multiplication
- Host Response
Describe what a Biofilm is.
- Similar to spores
- bacteria are encased in a protective shell
- can still attach and multiply to/on a surface
- resistant to attacks by antibiotics
How is quorum sensing linked to biofilm formation?
Fluctuations in cell-population density can be detected by quorum sensing. If the density is high then biofilm formation is more likely as there are more bacteria available to provide energy for biofilm formation
What the most common treatment options for a surface infection?
- Antibacterials
- Remove prosthetic material
- Surgery
What are the major challenges associated with treatment of surface infections?
- Poor antibacterial penetration into biofilm
- Low metabolic activity of biofilm microbes
- Damages/difficulties of surgery
How can prosthetic surface infections be prevented?
- Prevent contamination of surface
- Inhibit surface colonisation
- Remove any colonising bacteria
