Derm - Infections + Infestations Flashcards
(193 cards)
What is staphylococcus aureus and how does it infect the skin?
bacterium that has many virulence factors, e.g. receptord that allow it to bind to fibrin
fibrin is in abundance on wound surfaces etc.
What can Staph infections result in?
→ ecthyma (deep dermis skin infetion where ulcers form under crusted sores)
→ impetigo (superficial skin infection)
→ cellulitis
→ folliculitis
→ furunculosis (deep infection of the hair follicle leading to abscess formation)
→ carbuncles (cluster of boils — painful, pus-filled bumps)
→ SSSS (staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome)
→ superinfects other dermatoses (e.g. atopic eczema, HSV, leg ulcers)
How does streptococcus cause skin infections?
→ virulence factors that allow it to attach to the epithelial surfaces via the lipoteichoic acid portion of fimbriae
→ has M protein (anti-phagocytic) + hyaluronic acid capsule
→ produces erythrogenic exotoxins
→ produces streptolysins S and O
What can a Stretococcus infection result in?
→ ecthyma
→ cellulitis
→ impetigo
→ erysipelas (an infection of the upper layers of the skin +
→ scarlet fever
→ necrotizing fascitis
→ superinfects other dermatsoses (e.g. leg ulcers)
What is folliculitis?
→ folliculitis
→ follicular erythema, sometimes pustular
→ maybe non-infectious or infectious

What kind of folliculitis is associated with HIV?
eosinophillic (non-infectious) folliculitis
What can give you recurrent folliculitis?
nasal carriage of staphylococcus aureus, especially strains expressing Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)
How is folliculitis treated?
→ antibiotics (usually flucloxacillin or erythromycin) (depends after a swab)
→ incision + drainage is required for furunculosis
What is the difference between a furuncle + carbuncle?
→ furuncle = deep follicular abscess
→ carbuncle = deep follicular abcess that involves adjacent connected follicles
→ carbuncle more likely to lead to complications such as cellulitis + septicaemia

What is this?

furuncle
What is this?

carbuncle
Why do some patients develop recurrent staphylococcal impetigo or recurrent furunculosis?
• Establishment as a part of the resident microbial flora :
- Abundant in nasal flora
•Immune deficiency :
- Hypogammaglobulinaemia
- HyperIgE syndrome – deficiency - Chronic granulomatous disease
- AIDS
- Diabetes Mellitus
What is PVL?
→ Panton-Valentine Leukocidin
→ β-pore-forming exotoxin
What does PVL allow staphylococcus aureus to do?
→ Leukocyte destruction and tissue necrosis
→ Higher morbidity, mortality and transmissibility
How does PVL staph. aureus manifest in the skin?
→ recurrent + painful abcesses
→ folliculitis
→ cellulitis
→ often in more than one site, recurrent + present in contacts
How does PVL staph. aureus manifest extracutaneously?
→ necrotising pneumonia
→ necrotising fascitis
→ purpura fulminans
What are the 5 risks or ways in which PVL staph. aureus can be acquired?
Close contact (hugging, contact sports)
Contaminted items (gym equipment, towels, razors)
Crowding (crowded living conditions)
Cleanliness of environement (unclean = more risk)
Cuts + grazes (allows bacteria to enter the body)
What is the treatement protocol for PVL staph. aureus infection?
→ consult local microbiologist
→ antibiotics (usually tetracycline)
→ decolonisation (e.g. chlorhexidine body wash for 7 days or nasal application of mupirocin ointment, 5 days)
→ treatment of close contacts
What is pseudomonal folliculitis?
an infection of the hair follicle with Pseudomonas bacteria

What causes pseudomonal folliculitis?
associated with hot tub use, swimming pools, depilatories + wet suits
How does pseudomonal folliculitis progress?
appears 1-3 days after exposure, as a diffuse truncal eruption or follicular erythmatous papule
rarely can progress to abcesses, lymphangitis + fever
How is pseudomonal folliculitis treated?
most cases self-limited, no treatement required
severe or recurrent cases can be treated with oral ciprofloxacin
What is this?

cellulitis - infections of lower dermis + subcutaneous tissue
What is the main symptom of cellulitis?
tender swelling with ill-defined blanching erythema or oedema








































































