Streptococci Flashcards
What is the histology under microscope?
Gram positive cocci in chains
How to categorise the different Streptococci?
- Haemolysis
- alpha -> optochin sensitive/resistant
- beta -> Lancefield group A-G
- none
How to classify Enterococci?
Gram positive cocci in chains, catalase negative, alpha/beta/non haemolytic, Lancefield group D
Example of Group A BHS
Streptococcus pyogenes
Virulence factors of S.pyogenes
- M proteins
- Erythrogenic toxins
- Streptolysins O - form pores which cause cell death and tissue damage
- Hyaluronidase - enzyme digest hyaluronic acid
- Streptococcus pyogenes exotoxins - antigens trigger polyclonal T-cell activation and cytokine storm
What are the two types of diseases does S.pyogenes cause?
- Suppurative (pus forming)
- Non-suppurative (post infectious sequelae)
What suppurative infections does S.pyogenes cause?
Pharyngitis (sore throat)
- Tonsillitis, quinsy (peritonsillar abscess)
Pneumonia (typical post influenza as super added bacterial infections lead to high death rates in influenza)
SSTI
- Erysipelas, cellulitis
- Severe infection, sepsis/shock/organ failure
- Necrotising fasciitis
Toxic shock syndrome
Scarlet fever (circulating exotoxin usually from pharyngitis)
- Rash
- Pharyngitis
- Strawberry tongue
How to treat S.pyogenes necrotising fasciitis?
Penicillin + Clindamycin, debridement of wound, IVIG
What causes scarlet fever in S.pyogenes?
Streptococcal pyogenic exotoxins - erythrogenic toxins
What bacteria causes impetigo? How does it spread?
Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus
Spreads easily via close contacts (outbreaks in contact sports like rugby)
How to treat S.pyogenes toxic shock syndrome?
- IVIG to mop up toxin
- Clindamycin to reduce toxin production
What does S.pyogenes acute rheumatic fever lead to?
Rheumatic heart disease
- damaged heart valves which predispose to infectious endocarditis
How to diagnose S.pyogenes acute rheumatic fever?
Revised Jones Criteria
What antibiotics to prevent S.pyogenes acute rheumatic fever?
Oral penicillin/cephalosporins
What is the Revised Jones Criteria?
J: joints polyarthritis
O: carditis
N: subcutaneous nodules
E: erythema marginatum (rash)
S: Sydenham’s chorea
How to diagnose S.pyogenes?
- Culture and gram stain
- Serology: anti-streptolysin O titres
How to treat S.pyogenes?
Penicillins, cephlasporins, macrolides for penicillin-allergic, vancomycin
Necrotising fasciitis: Penicillin + Clindamycin, IVIG, debridement
Example of Group B BHS
Streptococcus agalactiae