Surface Infections Flashcards
what surfaces are there on patients where bacteria can enter
- skin
- mucosal surfaces
name bacteria part of the normal flora on the eye
coagulase negative and viridans staphylococci
name bacteria part of the normal flora in the nasalpharynx
Neisseria Meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophillius influenza
name bacteria part of the normal flora in the mouth
Viridans streptococci, Neisseria, Lactobacillus
name bacteria part of the normal flora in the stomach
Helicobacter, streptoccus, staphylococcus, lactobacilli
name some external surface infections
- cellulitis
- pharyngitis
- conjunctivitis
- gastroenteritis
- UTIs
names some internal surface infections
- endovascular infections
- septic arthritis
- osteomyelitis
- empyema
what is endocarditis
infection of the endocardium seen in patients with prosthetic heart valves
what organisms causes prosthetic joint infections
coagulase negative staphylococci
staphylococcus aures
name some prosthetic surfaces which infections can arise from
- IV lines
- catheters
- prosthetic joints
- cardiac valves
what is a biofilm
a slime layer with embedded bacteria which helps them adhere to surfaces. when a biofilm is formed the phenotype of the bacteria changes
what is a pyogenic response
when neutrophils release pus
what are the advantages of a biofilm to bacteria
protects them from complement, antibodies and antibiotics and other microbial attack
why are prosthetic devices with biofilms attached often removed/replaced
as its very hard to remove the biofilm from the surface
how is infection on prosthetic surfaces prevented
- preventing contamination
- removing bacteria
why do bacteria accumulate on valves
they are avascular so cant defend themselves
bloodlfow isn’t always streamlined so some comes back and this is where bacteria can collect
what symptoms are seen in endocarditis
- heart murmur
- fever
- Janeway lesions (flat red blotches on palms of hands)
- Osler nodes (raised red lesions on fingers and feet)
- enlarged spleen (increase in immune cells)
- splinter haemorrhage in nails
why are you more likely to get endocarditis with bicuspid valves
- blood flow is more turbulent which slows down the velocity of the blood allowing the bacteria to be able to settle better
what can central lines be coated in to prevent infection
silver as its an antimicrobial substance
