Staphylococcus Overview and Characteristics

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Staphylococcus aureus, including its characteristics, infections, virulence factors, and clinical significance.

Family

A taxonomic category ranking above genus and below order, characterized by a group of related organisms.

Genus

A rank in the biological classification (taxonomy) that is one level above species and one below family.

Gram-positive cocci

Spherical bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure and are typically resistant to certain antibiotics.

Catalase-positive

Bacteria that produce the enzyme catalase, allowing them to break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Coagulase

An enzyme that coagulates blood; in Staphylococcus, it binds to and converts fibrinogen to fibrin, aiding in bacterial aggregation.

Virulence factors

Molecular mechanisms that enable a pathogen to achieve colonization, evade the immune response, or cause damage to the host.

Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)

A toxin produced by some strains of Staphylococcus aureus that can lead to necrotizing skin lesions and is particularly associated with MRSA.

Small-colony variants (SCVs)

A subpopulation of bacteria that show distinct phenotypic traits, such as reduced metabolic activity and increased antibiotic resistance.

Enterotoxins

Toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus that can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

Superantigens

Antigens that cause excessive activation of the immune system, often leading to systemic inflammatory responses.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

A severe illness caused by bacterial toxins leading to high fever, rash, and multi-organ failure, commonly associated with Staphylococcus aureus.

Scalded skin syndrome (Ritter disease)

A condition caused by a toxin-producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus characterized by blistering and peeling skin.

Osteomyelitis

An infection of the bone usually caused by bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus.

Bacteremia

The presence of bacteria in the blood, which can lead to severe infections.

Furuncle

A painful infection of a hair follicle, also known as a boil, that produces pus.

Carbuncle

A cluster of interconnected furuncles (boils) that form a more extensive pus-filled lesion.

Paronychia

An infection of the tissue around the nail, which may progress to the formation of an abscess.

Septic arthritis

Infection in a joint, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced motion.

Endocarditis

An infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.

Diagnosis

The process of determining the nature of a disease or condition through examination and tests.

Antimicrobial susceptibility

The susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics, which guides treatment options.

Prevention

Measures taken to avoid infection or disease transmission.