Characteristics of Staphylococci
Gram-positive cocci in irregular clusters.
Virulence factor — coagulase?
Enzyme that coagulates blood plasma.
Epidemiology — carriage rate?
20-60% of healthy individuals.
Infections — superficial types?
Folliculitis, impetigo, abscesses.
Other species — key opportunists?
S. epidermidis, S. hominis, S. saprophyticus.
Identification — key test?
Catalase-positive, coagulase-positive for S. aureus.
Resistance — common enzyme?
Penicillinase, inactivates penicillin.
MRSA — resistance?
Methicillin and other antibiotics.
Prevention — main strategy?
Universal precautions, hygiene.
Virulence — toxins?
Exfoliative toxin, TSS toxin.
Epidemiology — reservoirs?
Nares, fomites, skin surfaces.
Infections — systemic examples?
Osteomyelitis, bacteremia, endocarditis.
Other staphylococci — pathogenic role?
Opportunistic, often device-related.
Treatment — key issue?
Antibiotic resistance, especially MRSA.
Test your knowledge with 7 questions on Staphylococci: Pathogenic Traits and Treatment.
1. How do the arrangement and the Gram-positive nature of staphylococci compare to other Gram-positive cocci like streptococci?
2. What is a consequence of the coagulase enzyme produced by Staphylococcus aureus?
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