Staphylococcus Flashcards
What are the major species of Staphylococcus responsible for disease?
Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus
These species are clinically significant and responsible for various infections.
Where is Staphylococcus aureus commonly found in human carriers?
In the anterior nares and on mucous membranes
It is common among patients admitted to hospitals.
What type of infections does Staphylococcus aureus cause?
Superficial to systemic infections
Including skin, breast, surgical wounds, endocarditis, and blood infections.
What is the mode of transmission for Staphylococcus aureus?
Traumatic introduction, direct contact, or contact with fomites
These pathways facilitate the spread of the bacteria.
What are some clinical infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus?
- Skin and wound infections
- Food poisoning
- Scalded skin syndrome
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Staphylococcal pneumonia
- Staphylococcal bacteremia
- Staphylococcal osteomyelitis
- Septic arthritis
- Staphylococcal endocarditis
Each of these conditions has specific characteristics and implications for treatment.
What is the most common cause of urinary tract infections in young, sexually active females?
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
It is a Gram-positive cocci and a coagulase-negative staphylococcus.
What is a key virulence factor of Staphylococcus epidermidis?
‘Slime’ layer
This factor contributes to its ability to infect prosthetic devices.
What is the characteristic morphology of Staphylococcus lugdunensis?
Gram-positive cocci in grape-like clusters
It resembles Staphylococcus aureus in some tests.
What laboratory test differentiates Staphylococcus aureus from other staphylococci?
Coagulase test
This test detects the enzyme coagulase in Staphylococcus aureus.
True or False: Staphylococcus saprophyticus is resistant to novobiocin.
True
This characteristic helps differentiate it from other coagulase-negative staphylococci.
What is the typical habitat for coagulase-negative staphylococci?
Skin and mucous membranes
They are common human isolates.
Fill in the blank: Staphylococcus _______ is known for causing toxic shock syndrome.
aureus
It is characterized by high fever, hypotension, and shock.
What is the primary laboratory method for specimen collection from a wound or abscess?
Wipe area with sterile saline or alcohol
Then swab along the outer edge and place it in a transport system.
What cultural characteristic is associated with Staphylococcus aureus?
Beta-hemolysis on blood agar
This indicates its ability to lyse red blood cells.
What is the significance of the slime layer produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis?
It helps in the adhesion to medical devices
This increases the risk of infections in patients with implanted devices.
Which Staph species if responsible for symptoms of exfoliative dermatitis or also known as Scalded Skin Syndrome?
Staph. Aureus
Most commonly found in infants and previously healthy young children.
