Clinical Microbiology - Bacterial Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts related to bacterial skin and soft tissue infections discussed in the clinical microbiology lecture.

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS)

A syndrome characterized by acute exfoliation of the skin following an erythematous cellulitis.

Scarlet Fever

A syndrome characterized by exudative pharyngitis, fever, and a bright-red skin rash caused by Streptococcal pyogenic exotoxins.

Pyomyositis

An acute bacterial infection of the skeletal muscle, primarily affecting the hips, thighs, and upper arms.

M protein

A surface protein found on Group A Streptococcus that aids in adhesion and invasion.

Antiphagocytic Factors

Factors that inhibit phagocytosis and allow bacteria to survive within the host.

Erythematous cellulitis

A bacterial infection causing redness and swelling of the skin.

Gram-positive

Bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Clinical Manifestations

Signs and symptoms indicating a particular medical condition.

Differential Diagnosis

The process of distinguishing a disease or condition from others that present with similar clinical features.

Beta-lactam antibiotics

A class of antibiotics that includes penicillins and cephalosporins, effective against a range of bacterial infections.

Neutrophil recruitment

The process by which neutrophils are attracted to the site of infection for defense.

Pus

A thick fluid produced in infected tissue, composed of white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria.

Culture and Identification

The laboratory process of growing microorganisms to identify them.

Immunodiagnostic procedures

Tests that utilize immune reactions to detect pathogens, such as rapid strep tests.

Furunculosis

The formation of multiple boils or furuncles caused by infection; often involves Staphylococcus aureus.

Necrotizing fasciitis

A severe, rapidly progressing soft tissue infection that destroys skin and fat.

Ecthyma

A deeper form of impetigo characterized by ulcerated sores.

Cellulitis

A bacterial skin infection causing redness, swelling, and pain; can lead to systemic illness.

Streptococcus pyogenes

A type of bacteria known as Group A Streptococcus, responsible for various infections including scarlet fever.

Antimicrobial peptides

Small proteins involved in the innate immune response that can kill bacteria.

Clostridial Myonecrosis

A severe infection caused by Clostridium species leading to muscle tissue necrosis.

Prevention and Control

Measures taken to avoid the spread or onset of infections.

SLO (streptolysin O)

A toxin produced by Streptococcus species that can lead to cell lysis.

SLS (streptolysin S)

A toxin that enhances the virulence of streptococcal infections.

C5a peptidase

An enzyme produced by some bacteria to inhibit immune responses by degrading C5a.

Pus aspirated

Fluid withdrawn from an infected tissue site, used for diagnostic purposes.

Diagnosis of Skin Infections

The method of identifying the specific cause of skin infections through clinical and laboratory tests.

Treatment of SSSS

Involves β-lactam antibiotics that are resistant to staphylococcal β-lactamases.

Phenotypic characteristics

Observable traits used to identify and classify bacteria.

Causative organisms

Bacteria or other pathogens responsible for causing a specific disease.

Skin rash

An area of irritated or swollen skin that can be associated with various infections.

Circumoral pallor

Paleness around the mouth, commonly associated with scarlet fever.

Acute exfoliation

The rapid shedding of the outer layers of the skin.

Deep fascia

A layer of connective tissue that envelopes muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

Subcutaneous tissue

The layer of fat and connective tissue beneath the skin.

Medical history and physical examination

An initial assessment process where patient history is reviewed and symptoms are examined.

Risk factors for infections

Conditions or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing an infection.

Secreted enzymes

Enzymes released by bacteria that can contribute to their pathogenicity.

Hyaluronic acid capsule

A virulence factor of bacteria that aids in evasion of the host immune response.

Strawberry tongue

A condition where the tongue appears red and bumpy, often associated with scarlet fever.

Group A Streptococcus

A specific group of bacteria responsible for infections like scarlet fever and rheumatic fever.

Chronic infections

Long-lasting infections that may require prolonged treatment.

Acute bacterial infections

Rapidly developing infections that can lead to severe clinical outcomes.

Fluid resuscitation

Administration of fluids to maintain blood volume in patients with infections.

Surgical debridement

The surgical removal of necrotic tissue to enhance healing.