Microbiology Flashcards
What are virulence factors?
The mechanisms by which a pathogen causes disease to the host
Which organism is a coagulase positive staphylococcus?
Staph aureus
What is toxic shock?
Activation of an inappropriate immune response by the pathogen as part of its virulence that causes host damage
What is PVL? (Panton-Valentine Leukocidin)
A toxin which destroys white blood cells carried by some strains of Staphlococcus
What are the two main types of Staphylococcus and how is the difference between them identified?
Staph aureus; coagulase +ve (golden)
Staph epidermidis; coagulase -ve
What are the three classifications of streptococcus and give an example of each?
Alpha-haemolytic (partial/greening);
- Strep pneumonia // Strep viridans
Beta-haemolysis (full/golden)
- Group A strep (strep pyogenes)
Gamma-haemolytic (none)
- enterococcus
Which group of Strep is the most common in skin infections and what is the treatment for this?
Group A strep (B-haemolytic)
Penicillin // flucloxacillin
How is Staph aureus infection treated?
Flucoxacillin
MRSA = doxycycline
What is necrotising fasciitis and how is it treated?
Bacterial infection along the fascia planes (under skin surface)
Treatment: Surgical intervention required
How should ulcers be treated with antibiotics?
Vascular problem - don’t treat unless infected
What is tinea pedis more commonly known as and how is it spread, diagnosed and treated?
Tinea pedis = athletes foot
Spread by direct contact
Diagnosis based upon clinical appearance
Treated with topical clotrimazole
What is sued to treat both scabies and lice?
Malathion
What is the virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles and what is used to treat this?
Varicella zoster virus (VZV)
Treated with aciclovir
What are firm fleshy nodules otherwise known as?
Molluscum contagiosum
Which virus is responsible for warts and how are they treated?
Human Papilloma virus (HPV)
Self limiting // cryotherapy
