Haemophilus influenzae
What is the difference between typable H. influenzae and non-typeable (ntHi) H. influenzae?
Typeable forms have a capsule which make them capable of bloodstream invasion. The capsule makes them resistant to phagocytosis. The ntHi lack this capsule and cannot cause bloodstream infection.
Which is the most dangerous type of H. influenza?
Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB).
What are some of the clinical symptoms of typeable H. influenzae?
What are some of the clinical symptoms of non-typeabe H. influenzae?
Nonencapsulated H. influenzae.
How is H. influenzae diagnosed?
Bacterial cultures from blood, sputum, and CSF. H, influenzae requires factor V and X from RBC for growth. Must be cultured on chocolate agar.
What drugs would be given to treat H. influenzae?
Amoxicillin - Clavulanate
or
Cefotaxime / Ceftriaxone
Staphylococcus aureus
What is the function of staphylokinase?
It breaks down blood clots allowing staphylococcus aureus to escape and spread from clots.
What does exfoliatin do?
It results in blistering on the skin known as “scalded skin syndrome”.
What does TSST-1 stand for? What bacteria causes it?
Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1. It is released by staphylococcus aureus.
How is staphylococcus aureus infection diagnosed?
Swabs are taken from affected sites for gram stain and culture growth (Gram +ve cocci in bunches).
How is staphylococcus aureus treated?
Describe the possible clinical presentations of S. aureus.
How is S. aureus spread?
Through droplet or direct contact.
How is H. influenzae spread?
Through direct contact.
Streptococcus pneumoniae
What are some of the clinical presentations of Strep. pneumoniae?
How is Strep. pneumoniae diagnosed?
Clinically, X-Ray, sputum, CSF and blood for gram stain and culture.
How is Strep. pneumoniae treated?
- For meningitis vancomycin and cefotaxime should be given until CSF culture and sensitivity are returned.
Where is asymptomatic Strep. pneumoniae carried in humans?
The nasopharynx. Upto 50% of people are asymptomatic carriers of Strep. pneumonia.
Streptococcus pyogenes
What are protein F, M protein, and SPE in the context of strep pyogenes?
Protein F: functions in adhesion.
M Protein: functions in adhesion and inhibits complement activation {MAJOR virulence factor}.
SPE: Strep pyrogenic exotoxin.
How is Strep. pyogenes spread?
Through direct contact or droplets.