Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia

Question 1

What type of bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus bacteria?

Answer 1

Gram positive (+ve)

Question 2

Is staph. aureus found in the normal gut flora?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

In which type of patients are at higher risk of s. aureus colonisation?

Answer 3

Diabetics
HIV infection
Dialysis patients

Question 4

Where is the most common site of S. aureus infection?

Answer 4

Anterior nares

Question 5

What is the most common cause of skin infection (cellulitis)?

Answer 5

S. aureus

Question 6

How are S. Aureus infections classified?

Answer 6

HAIs or community acquired

Primary or secondary

Question 7

Where are frequent sites of distant metastases in S. aureus infection?

Answer 7

Bones & joints (prosthetic)
Epidural space & IV discs
Prosthetic heart valves

Question 8

What investigations can you do to test for S aureus?

Answer 8

Multiple blood cultures before and 48-72 hours after commencing therapy

CXR
Biopsy
TOE

Question 9

What is the basis of treatment for invasive staphylococcal infections?

Answer 9

ABI therapy
Source identification & clearance
Surgical intervention

Question 10

What is the 1st line therapy for MSSA?

Answer 10

(IV) Flucloxacillin (14 days)

Question 11

What is the 1st line therapy for MRSA?

Answer 11

Vancomycin (IV)