Staph aureus

Question 1

What is S. aureus?

Answer 1

Most virulent staph infectant
Major cause of morbidity
Disease through toxin and non-toxin mediated

Question 2

Is S. aureus part of the normal human flora?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

Is S. aureus gram negative or positive?

Answer 3

Positive cocci

Question 4

What percentage of the population is persistently or transiently colonised by S. aureus?

Answer 4

25-50%

Question 5

What is the spectrum of infection of S. aureus?

Answer 5

Skin and soft tissue = most common
Localised pyogenic infections = furuncles and carbuncles
Deep = necrotising fasciitis and pyomyositis
Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis
Invective endocarditis
Pneumonia and empyema

Question 6

Distant septic mets with S. aureus

Answer 6

in 1/3 of patients
Bones and joints
Epidural space
Prosthetics
Visceral abscesses in spleen, kidneys and lungs

Question 7

What are the Investigations for S. aureus infections?

Answer 7

Microscopy + culture
Blood cultures
Repeat bloods after 48-72 hrs
Biopsy samples
Imaging
Transthoracic ECHO

Question 8

What is the management for S. aureus infections?

Answer 8

Antibiotic
Source identification and clearance
Surgical intervention

Question 9

What are the antibiotics used for S. aureus infections?

Answer 9

Flucloxacillin = uncomplicated 14d
Vancomycin = not ideal
Teicoplanin 
Linezolid = bone
Daptomycin