Staohylococcus Infections

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to infections caused by staphylococcus, including definitions of key terms and concepts.

Commensal Bacteria

Bacteria that neither harms nor benefits the host.

Staphylococcus aureus

A coagulase positive bacterium known for its virulent factors.

Folliculitis

An infection of a hair follicle caused by staph bacteria.

Furuncle

A boil that occurs when an infection spreads to surrounding tissue.

Carbuncle

A cluster of furuncles that joins together, causing a more severe infection.

Beta Hemolysis

A characteristic hemolytic pattern exhibited by some strains of staphylococcus.

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome

A condition caused by exfoliative toxin, resulting in skin redness, blisters, and peeling.

Impetigo

A childhood infection characterized by red, itchy skin with pus-filled vesicles.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, commonly known as pink eye.

Pyrogenic Toxin

A specific toxin associated with staphylococcal infections that can cause fever.

Hyaluronidase

An enzyme that breaks down the extracellular matrix of connective tissues.

Hemolysins

Enzymes that can lyse red blood cells.

Ophthalmia Neonatorum

Conjunctivitis in newborns caused by exposure to chlamydia or gonorrhea during birth.

Catalase Positive

A characteristic of staphylococcus that allows it to break down hydrogen peroxide.

Facultative Anaerobe

An organism that can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen.

Coagulase Positive

Indicates the ability of a bacterium to clot blood, aiding in evasion of the immune system.

Antibiotic Treatment for Impetigo

Typically involves the use of penicillin antibiotics.

Pathogen

A microorganism that can cause disease.

Signs of Conjunctivitis

Redness of the eye, sticky pus-like discharge, and potentially crusted eyelids.

Immune Response Signs

Fever and chills resulting from the body's response to infections.