staphylococcus (12)

• What is taxonomy?

  The study of scientific classification
• How does classification organize organisms?

  By phenotypic similarities or evolutionary relationships
• What does nomenclature refer to?

  Systematic naming of organisms
• What is the purpose of identification in taxonomy?

  Practical use of a classification scheme
• What are the taxonomic ranks mentioned in the study material?

  • Family
  • Genus
  • Species
  • Subspecies
  • Strain
• What is the genus of Staphylococcus aureus?

  Staphylococcus
• How should the genus and species names be formatted?

  In italics or underlined if handwritten
• What distinguishes coagulase-positive from coagulase-negative staphylococci?

  Coagulase-positive strains produce coagulase
• What are the characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus?

  Gram-positive cocci, facultative anaerobes, beta-hemolytic
• What are the pathogenicity factors of Staphylococcus aureus?

  Very virulent, resistant to desiccation and temperature
• What type of infections can Staphylococcus aureus cause?

  Purulent and systemic infections
• What is the role of coagulase in Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity?

  Forms fibrin layer around abscesses
• What are some examples of purulent infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus?

  Folliculitis, furuncle, cellulitis
• What is the significance of broken mucocutaneous barriers in Staphylococcus aureus infections?

  They favor pathogenicity and infection
• What is the difference between Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci?

  Staphylococcus aureus is coagulase-positive
• How do coagulase-negative staphylococci typically cause infections?

  Through presence of foreign bodies or immunodeficiency
• What are the treatment options for Staphylococcus aureus infections?

  Cloxacillin, vancomycin, linezolid
• Why are coagulase-negative staphylococci often more resistant to antibiotics?

  They have multiple resistance mechanisms
• What are the key factors for infection by coagulase-negative staphylococci?

  • Presence of foreign bodies
  • Immunodeficiency
• What is a common characteristic of Staphylococcus epidermidis?

  Adhesion to plastics and medical devices
• What are some infections associated with coagulase-negative staphylococci?

  Infections of catheters and prosthetic devices
• What is the role of teichoic acids in coagulase-negative staphylococci?

  Act as adhesins for binding
• What are the implications of Staphylococcus spp. in dentistry?

  Opportunistic pathogens in oral infections
• What are some conditions that can be caused by Staphylococci in the oral cavity?

  Gingivitis, abscesses, maxillary osteitis
• Why is careful sampling important when isolating Staphylococci from the oral cavity?

  They may be contaminants from skin
• What is a potential complication of a spreading infection in the nose or sinuses?

  Cavernous sinus thrombosis
• What is the significance of pus in infections caused by Staphylococcus spp.?

  Indicates need for drainage
• What should be considered when treating urinary infections caused by S. saprophyticus?

  They may be multidrug resistant
• What is the treatment of choice for MRSA infections?

  Glycopeptides like vancomycin
• What is the common characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus colonies on blood agar?

  Golden colonies with beta-hemolysis
• What is the significance of the catalase test in differentiating Staphylococcus from Streptococcus?

  Staphylococcus is catalase positive
• How does the growth of Staphylococcus aureus differ from coagulase-negative staphylococci?

  Staphylococcus aureus grows in standard media
• What is the role of hyaluronidase in Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity?

  Facilitates invasion of tissues
• What type of bacteria are Staphylococci?

  Gram-positive cocci
• What is the significance of the facultative anaerobic nature of Staphylococcus aureus?

  It can grow in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions
• How does the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus compare to coagulase-negative staphylococci?

  Staphylococcus aureus is more virulent
• What is the role of lipase in Staphylococcus aureus infections?

  Destruction of lipids from the skin
• What is the primary method of transmission for coagulase-negative staphylococci?

  Hands and fomites
• What is the significance of the presence of foreign bodies in infections caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci?

  It facilitates binding and infection
• What are the implications of multidrug resistance in Staphylococcus spp.?

  Challenges in treatment options