Staphylococcus

catalyzes decomposition of H2O2 (toxic to organisms) to H2O + O2

polysaccharide outer layer of variable serotype; Inhibits chemotaxis by macrophages and phagocytosis by PMNs

mediate attachment of staph to mucosa via fibronectin

glycoproteins on cell membrane that functions as adhesive like molecule; 

elicits specific antibody response when bound to peptidoglycan

• binds to immunoglobulin receptor to prevent antibody-mediated immune
• clearance of organism

protein clumping factor; converts fibrinogen to fibrin

anchorage for cellular biosynthetic and respiratory enzymes

forms pores in lipophilic regions of RBCs, WBCs, hepatocytes, etc

hydrolyzes sphingomyelinase in membrane phospholipids

made of 6 toxins (including PV leukocidin, which is not leukotoxic) that produce hemolysis and lysis of WBCs through pore formation

nonspecific toxicity that disrupts membranes by a detergent-like mode; surfactant properties

ETA and ETB; serine protease enzymes that catalyzed decomposition of cell adhesion structure that forms intercellular bridges; results in shedding of skin

heat stable and acid resistant superantigen related to food poisoning

superantigen that activates T cells leading to cytokine production and inflammation

hydrolyzes hyaluronic acid (the glycosaminoglycan present in connective tissue)

“staphylokinase”, catalyzes dissolution of fibrin (clot)

• hydrolyzes lipids allowing survival of organism in sebaceous areas of
• body

thermostable marker that hydrolyzes DNA

a beta-lactamase that confers resistance to many staphs through plasmids

• Ritters Disease; epithelia desquamation indicated by positive Nikolsky’s
• Sign; bullae negative for microorganisms

SSSS with negative Nikolsky’s sign; fluid positive for microorganisms

• toxin-induced, self-limiting gastroenterititis (nausea, vomiting,
• diarrhea, no fever)

febrile diarrhea with colonic white plaques and ulceration; caused by treatment of broad-spectrum antibiotics that kill normal flora

febrile, hypotensive response that involves a diffuse maculare erythrematous rash, purpurea fulminans, toxemia, and skin desquamation

maculopapular pediatric pustular skin infection, also produced by streptococci

pyogenic infection of hair follicle; "Acne/pimple"

“boil”; extension folliculitis; large painful nodules with collection of PMNs and necrotic tissue

coalesced furuncles that extend into deeper subcutaneous tissue; causes sinus tracts

post trauma or surgical; erythema, edema, pain, pus; antibiotic treatment unnecessary unless there is fever

deep skin structures, surgical intervention, uderlying disease

bacteria in the blood

multiplicaiton of microorganisms in the circulating blood (pyemia, septic fever, blood poisoining); predisposes to endocarditis

rapid onset of nonspecific symptoms; CO decreases and septic emboli form peripherally; drug abuser – tricuspid valve

aspiration of oral secretions in young and old pts and pts with cystic fibrosis, flu, COPD, and bronchiectiasis; characterized by empyema

circulates through blood and ends up in lungs; from bacteremic and endocarditis pts; characterized by empyema

febrile, sudden onset of localized pain over affected bone; involves metaphysea area of long bones

usually vertebral; fever, intense pain; Brodie’s Abscess may occur

Sequestered focus of osteomyelitis in metaphyseal area of long bone only in adults

purulent drainage from wound or sinus tract of area overlaying bone; inflammation

• occurs in children and adults (abnormal joints, intra-articular
• injections); pain, erythema, aspiration or purulent material, most common in large joints