Gram-Positive Cocci in Medicine

An infection localized to the hair follicle.

A deep, inflamed infection around a hair follicle, often starting as folliculitis.

A larger, deeper collection of boils connected by inflamed tissue.

A contagious skin infection causing blisters and peeling skin, often in children.

A serious bacterial infection caused by toxins produced by S. aureus.

A type of food poisoning caused by the enterotoxin of S. aureus.

Caused by exfoliative toxins produced by S. aureus, leading to widespread skin peeling.

A type of toxin that causes inflammation and tissue damage, often associated with food poisoning or other staph infections.

Staphylococcus is a genus of gram-positive bacteria that are commonly found on human skin and mucous membranes. They can cause a range of infections, from mild skin infections to serious systemic infections, such as pneumonia and sepsis.

Coagulase is an enzyme produced by some Staphylococcus. It's a key factor in classifying Staphylococcus as coagulase-positive or coagulase-negative. Coagulase is important in the bacteria's pathogenesis (ability to cause disease).

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a type of Staphylococcus that is coagulase-positive. This means it produces coagulase, an enzyme that can cause blood to clot. S. Aureus is common on human skin but also a significant human pathogen.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are Staphylococcus that don't produce coagulase. They are commonly found on the skin, in the environment and are frequently isolated from human blood cultures. They can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a type of CoNS. It is usually harmless but can cause infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. It's commonly found on human skin.

Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a type of CoNS. It is usually harmless but can cause urinary tract infections, particularly in young women.

A type of bacteria that often causes urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young women, especially those who are sexually active.

Gram-positive bacteria that are typically found in pairs or chains and appear round or oval under a microscope.

A group of Streptococcus bacteria that are commonly found in the mouth and throat.

A type of Streptococcus that is known for causing strep throat, scarlet fever, and skin infections.

A serious condition caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, characterized by intense pain, swelling, and tissue damage.

A type of Streptococcus that is found in the vagina and can cause infections in newborns.

A common symptom of scarlet fever, characterized by a pale ring around the mouth.

A type of Streptococcus that is responsible for causing pneumonia, a lung infection.

Substances secreted by Staphylococcus aureus that cause Toxic Shock Syndrome. They trigger a massive immune response by activating a large number of T cells, leading to cytokine release and organ damage.

A type of Superantigen produced by Staphylococcus aureus that causes redness, swelling, and blistering of the skin in Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS).

A common type of Staphylococcus that is generally harmless but can cause infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or those who have medical devices implanted.

A test used to detect the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in a sample. It uses antibodies that specifically bind to antigens present on the bacteria.

A test that aims to determine the effectiveness of different antibiotics against the specific bacteria present. This helps doctors choose the right treatment for a bacterial infection.

An invasive bacterial infection involving the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

A Gram-positive bacterium that often occurs in pairs (diplococci) and is known for its capsule, a major factor in its virulence. It's a common cause of pneumonia and other infections.

A group of bacteria that were previously classified with group D streptococci. They are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, and are important causes of nosocomial infections (hospital-acquired infections).

A common bacterial cause of pneumonia, particularly in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Other infections caused by this bacteria include acute exacerbations of COPD, otitis media (ear infections), sinusitis, meningitis, and bacteraemia.

A bacterium that is a significant cause of nosocomial infections, particularly urinary tract infections, sepsis, infective endocarditis, and wound infections.

S. epidermidis is a major cause of infections, especially in hospital settings, particularly in patients with indwelling devices like catheters and those with weakened immune systems. These infections are often resistant to multiple antibiotics.

S. epidermidis infections are often associated with foreign bodies, such as catheters and implants. The bacteria can adhere to these devices and form a biofilm. This biofilm protects the bacteria from the host's defense mechanisms and antibiotics.

A complex structure formed by bacteria, consisting of cells embedded in an extracellular matrix that provides protection and allows for communication. They can be found on medical implants, making infections hard to treat.

S. epidermidis commonly infects various indwelling devices and leads to specific types of infections depending on the location. For example, infections in catheters can cause bacteraemia (bacteria in the blood) or peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen).

S. epidermidis can also infect various other prosthetic devices, leading to infections in different parts of the body. These infections can occur in joints, eyes, breasts, and the urinary system.

S. epidermidis can cause infective endocarditis, a serious condition affecting the heart's inner lining. It's more common in prosthetic valves than native valves.

S. epidermidis infections differ from S. aureus infections in several ways. They have a longer incubation period, a more subtle presentation, and often involve prosthetic devices. They also tend to be resistant to multiple antibiotics.