Staphylococcus

• Where is Staphylococcus commonly found?

  All over the skin
• What role does Staphylococcus play in the human body?

  It forms part of the normal flora
• How is Staphylococcus transmitted?

  By direct contact and fomites
• What type of pathogens are Staphylococcus?

  Opportunistic pathogens
• What range of diseases can Staphylococcus cause?

  Minor to life-threatening diseases
• What is the Gram classification of Staphylococcus?

  Gram positive
• What type of organism is Staphylococcus in terms of oxygen requirement?

  Facultatively anaerobic prokaryote
• How are Staphylococcus cells arranged?

  Spherical cells clustered like grapes
• What does the term "Staphle" mean in Greek?

  Bunch of grapes
• What does "Kokkos" mean in Greek?

  Berry
• What is the non-motility characteristic of Staphylococcus?

  Non motile
• What environmental conditions can Staphylococcus tolerate?

  Salt, desiccation, radiation, and heat
• What enzyme do Staphylococcus produce?

  Catalase
• Which two species of Staphylococcus are commonly associated with disease in humans?

  Staphylococcus aureus and epidermidis
• Which species of Staphylococcus is more virulent?

  Staphylococcus aureus
• What is Staphylococcus epidermidis known for?

  Part of normal flora, opportunistic pathogen
• When do common 'staph' infections occur?

  When physical barriers are breached
• What defenses does Staphylococcus aureus have against phagocytosis?

  Protein A, bound coagulase, slime/capsules
• How does Protein A inhibit the immune response?

  It binds IgG stems and inhibits complement
• What role does bound coagulase play for Staphylococcus aureus?

  Forms fibrin clots to hide bacteria
• What is the function of slime/capsules in Staphylococcus aureus?

  Inhibit chemotaxis and facilitate attachment
• How does Staphylococcus epidermidis primarily attach to surfaces?

  By forming biofilms on catheters
• What enzymes does Staphylococcus aureus produce?

  Coagulase, hyaluronidase, staphylokinase, lipases, β-lactamase
• What is the function of hyaluronidase produced by Staphylococcus aureus?

  Breaks down hyaluronic acid in tissues
• What does staphylokinase do?

  Dissolves fibrin threads
• What is the role of lipases in Staphylococcus aureus?

  Digest lipids for growth on skin
• What percentage of Staphylococcus aureus produce β-lactamase?

  90%
• What are cytolytic toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus?

  Disrupt cytoplasmic membranes of cells
• What does exfoliative toxin do?

  Dissolves intercellular bridge proteins
• What is TSS toxin associated with?

  Causes toxic shock syndrome
• What do enterotoxins cause?

  Vomiting associated with food poisoning
• What type of infections are classified as noninvasive for Staphylococcus aureus?

  Food poisoning
• What is folliculitis?

  Infection of hair follicles
• What is a furuncle?

  Extension of folliculitis to surrounding tissue
• What is a carbuncle?

  Coalescence of furuncles, deep tissue infection
• What systemic diseases can Staphylococcus aureus cause?

  TSS, bacteremia, endocarditis, pneumonia
• What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS)?

  Fever, rash, low blood pressure
• What is bacteremia?

  Blood infection
• What is endocarditis?

  Infection of the heart's inner lining
• What is pneumonia?

  Lung infection causing breathing issues