Staphylococcus: Additional Flashcards
What is Staphylococcus aureus (SAU)?
An opportunistic pathogen responsible for numerous infections, ranging from mild to life-threatening. It is an important community-acquired pathogen with increasing drug resistance.
What are some virulence factors (VF) of Staphylococcus aureus?
Examples include enterotoxins, cytolytic toxins, protein A, and exfoliative toxins.
What is enterotoxin?
Heat-stable exotoxins that cause diarrhea and vomiting. They are categorized into groups A to E and G to J.
How stable are enterotoxins?
Stable at 100°C for 30 minutes. Reheating contaminated food does not prevent disease.
What are the main causes of food poisoning related to enterotoxins?
Mainly Enterotoxin A, B, and D.
What enterotoxins are associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Enterotoxin B and C, G and I.
What is Staphylococcal Pseudomembranous Enterocolitis?
Caused by Enterotoxin B, which acts as a superantigen.
What is Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1 (TSST-1)?
Previously known as Enterotoxin F, it is a chromosomal-mediated toxin causing the majority of menstruating-associated TSS and approximately 50% of non-menstruating cases.
What is the role of TSST-1 as a superantigen?
It stimulates T-cell proliferation and the production of a large number of cytokines.
How does TSST-1 affect endothelial cells?
At low concentrations, it causes leakage; at higher concentrations, it is cytotoxic to these cells.
How is TSST-1 absorbed in the body?
Absorbed through the vaginal mucosa, leading to systemic effects, particularly with tampon usage.
What is exfoliative toxin?
Also known as Epidermolytic Toxin, it has two types: Exfo Tox A and Exfo Tox B.
What condition is caused by exfoliative toxins?
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSS), also known as Ritter’s Disease, most common in newborns and children under 5 years of age.
What are cytolytic toxins?
Toxins that affect RBCs and leukocytes, including hemolysins and leukocidins.
What types of hemolysins does SAU produce?
Four types: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta.
What is the effect of A-hemolysin?
It damages platelets and macrophages, causing severe tissue damage.
What is B-hemolysin also known as?
Sphingomyelinase C or Hot-Cold Lysin, which acts on sphingomyelin in erythrocyte membranes.
What is the significance of gamma-hemolysin?
Found only in Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL), it is lethal to polymorphonuclear leukocytes and suppresses phagocytosis.
What enzymes are produced by Staphylococcus aureus?
Examples include coagulase, protease, hyaluronidase, and lipase.
What is the role of hyaluronidase?
It hydrolyzes hyaluronic acid in connective tissues, allowing bacteria to spread during infection.
What is the function of protein A?
Identified in the cell wall of SAU, it binds the Fc portion of Immunoglobulin G (IgG), blocking phagocytosis and negating IgG’s protective effects.
What is the primary reservoir for Staphylococci in humans?
Human Nares
Where can Staphylococci colonize in the human body?
Vagina, pharynx, axilae, and other skin surfaces
Where is nasal carriage of Staphylococci common?
In hospitals, particularly in patients
What factors increase colonization of Staphylococci in patients?
Frequent contact with hospital workers and certain medical conditions
In which settings do patients commonly develop Staphylococci infections?
Nurseries, burn units, and after surgery or other invasive procedures
What are key infection control practices for Staphylococci?
Hand hygiene, environmental cleaning and disinfection, use of personal protective equipment
What was the increase in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections from 2011 to 2016?
Increased from 4.1% to 9.2%
How is Staphylococci transmitted?
Direct contact with unwashed, contaminated hands and contact with inanimate objects (fomites)
What is decolonization in the context of Staphylococci?
A process to reduce colonization for specific populations
What are Staphylococci?
Catalase (+), gram (+) cocci; spherical cells (0.5 to 1.5 um) that appear singly, in pairs, and in clusters.
Greek: staphle - bunches of grapes.
What is the family classification of Staphylococci?
Member of the family ‘Staphylococcaceae’.
What are the characteristics of Staphylococci?
Nonmotile, non-spore forming, and aerobic or facultatively anaerobic; few strains are obligate anaerobes.
What is the colony appearance of Staphylococci?
Medium size (4-8mm) colonies after 18-24hr incubation; cream-colored, white, or rarely light gold, and ‘buttery looking’.
What are Small Colony Variants (SCV)?
Rare strains that are fastidious, requiring CO2, Hemin, or menadione for growth; colonies are 1/10 size of wild-type strain even after 48hrs of incubation.