Staphylococcus Aureus bacteraemia

Question 1

what type of bacteria is staph aureus?

Answer 1

gram positive cocci

purple clusters on gram stain

Question 2

within what patients is rate of infection higher?

Answer 2

immunocompromised
insulin dependant diabetes
haemodialysis
skin damage i.e. injection drug abuse

Question 3

where are the common sites of distant metastasis of s.aureus bacteraemia?

Answer 3

bones and joints
epidural space and intervertebral disc
native and prosthetic cardiac valves and devices
visceral abscesses in splendid, kidney and lungs

Question 4

what is the initial investigations if you suspect infection?

Answer 4

microscopy and culture of specimens

multiple blood cultures

Question 5

what is the first line choice of antibiotic for MSSA?

Answer 5

flucloxacillin

Question 6

what antibiotic is good for treating bone infections?

Answer 6

linezolid

Question 7

what is the first line treatment for MRSA?

Answer 7

vancomycin