Skin Infections Cards Flashcards
How does a necrotizing soft tissue infeciton spread?
Via subcutaneous fascial planes
What are early stage signs and symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis?
Pain out of proportion to exam, warmth, erythema
What are intermediate stage signs and symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis?
Systemic fever/malaise, edema, bullae
What are late-stage signs and symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis?
Hemorrhagic bullae, ecchymosis, crepitus, anesthesia of skin, septic shock
What are the two most common organisms causing necrotizing fasciitis or cellulitis after fresh-water exposure?
Virbio species, Aeromonas hydrophilia
What organism most commonly causes necrotizing fasciitis and is commonly associated with blunt trauma?
Strep pyogenes (Group A strep)
What organisms often cause perineal necrotizing fasciitis?
Clostridium perfringes, Bacteroides, and other mixed aerobe/anaerobe infections
What clinical features are associated with mixed anaerobe/aerobe necrotizing fasciitis?
Grey discharge, foul odor, crepitus, and often perineal location
How does hyaluronidase contribute to necrotizing fasciitis pathogenesis?
Hyaluronicase breaks down tissue via proteolysis and causes ischemia
How does streptolysin contribute to necrotizing fasciitis pathogenesis?
Streptolysin causes vessel thrombosis, leading to bullae development
How does TNF-alpha contribute to necrotizing fasciitis pathogenesis?
TNF-alpha increases capillary permeability, causing warmth, edema, and erythema
What factor of Strep pyogens causes T cell activation?
Pyrogenic endotoxin, causing fever, tachycardia, and a WBC increase. May lead to toxic shock syndrome.
What is the treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections?
Surgical emergency! May have post-surgical care with antibiotics and supportive care.
What is the eagle effect?
In a large infection with high #s of bacteria, growth may be stationary. Use Clindamycin to kill stationary growth bacteria via ribosomes; the remaining bacteria begin to grow/proliferate again and are now susceptible to beta-lactams.
What antibiotic reduces endotoxin production?
Clindamycin
What is the most common microbiologic etiology of abscesses?
S. aureus
What is the most common microbiologic etiology of “hot tub” folliculitis?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Contrast a furuncle and a carbuncle
Furuncle: dermal abscess associated with hair follicles. Carbuncle: coalescence of furuncles into sinus tracts
What is the treatment of an furucle or carbuncle?
Warm compress (if small), surgical drainage (if large), culture w/ sensitivities and antibiotics if severe
What four antibiotics can be used for MRSA outpatient therapy?
TMP-SMX, doxycycline, minocycline, clindamycin
What manifests as pustules with “honey-colored crust” on the face?
Non-bullous impetigo, caused largely by S. aureus
What is the microbiological etiology of bullous impetigo?
S. aureus
What manifests as well-demarcated erythematous lesions involving superficial dermis and lymphatics?
Eryseiplas, caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus (Strep pyogenes)
What manifests as flat erythema involving deep dermis and subcutaneous fat?
Cellulitis, often caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus
What organism most likely causes cellulitis in diabetes patients?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa or fungal infection
What two organisms most likely cause cellulitis after animal bites?
Pasteurella multocida, Capnocytophagia canimorsus
What organism most likely causes cellulitis in IV drug users?
S. aureus, including MRSA
How do we treat impetigo (local and extensive)?
Local: topical mupirocin 2% and carefully wash lesions to avoid lancing bullae; Extensive: beta-lactam