Week 6 Lecture 3 Flashcards
(194 cards)
Who developed the staining method for classifying bacteria?
Hans Christian Gram
Developed the Gram staining method in 1884 using crystal violet dye.
What color do Gram-positive bacteria stain?
BLUE
Due to the retention of crystal violet dye by the thick peptidoglycan cell wall.
What color do Gram-negative bacteria stain?
RED
Caused by a different cell wall structure that does not retain the crystal violet dye.
What is the main distinction between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria?
Aerobic bacteria need oxygen for growth, whereas anaerobic bacteria have difficulties growing in the presence of oxygen.
What are the three main morphologies of bacteria?
- Spherical (cocci)
- Cylindric (bacilli)
- Spiral (spirochetes)
Name two important human pathogens that are Gram-positive cocci.
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus pyogenes
How do staphylococci and streptococci differ microscopically?
Staphylococci appear in grapelike clusters, while streptococci appear in chains.
What biochemical property differentiates staphylococci from streptococci?
Staphylococci produce catalase, whereas streptococci do not.
What are the three species of Staphylococcus mentioned?
- S. aureus
- S. epidermidis
- S. saprophyticus
Where is the main site of colonization for Staphylococcus aureus?
The nose
Approximately 30% of people are colonized at any one time.
What are the three exotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus?
- Enterotoxin
- Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin
- Exfoliatin
What type of inflammation does Staphylococcus aureus induce?
Pyogenic (pus-producing) inflammation.
What is the leading bacterial cause of pharyngitis?
S. pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus)
What type of hemolytic streptococci produce a clear zone around their colonies?
β-Hemolytic streptococci
This occurs due to complete lysis of red blood cells.
What is the primary cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis?
S. agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus)
What are the main infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae?
- Pneumonia
- Bacteremia
- Meningitis
- Infections of the upper respiratory tract
What is a key virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae?
Polysaccharide capsules that interfere with phagocytosis.
What is the primary mode of transmission for pneumococci?
Humans are the natural hosts, with 5%–50% of the healthy population carrying them in the oropharynx.
What is the primary cause of atypical pneumonia?
Organisms such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Legionella.
What defines community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?
Pneumonia acquired outside of a hospital setting.
What are the two categories of nosocomial pneumonia?
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
What are the first line defenses in innate immunity for the respiratory system?
- Intact respiratory epithelium
- Cough reflex
- Mucus & mucociliary clearance
- Immunoglobulin A
- Cytokines
- Splenic function
- Complement
- Neutrophils
- Macrophages
What increases the risk of pneumococcal infection in infants?
Poorly developed B-cell responses in children under 1-2 years old.