Microbiology Quiz on Skin Infections

An infection of the skin and soft tissues caused by various germs, ranging from mild to severe. Some cases require medical attention.

The entry point for bacteria into the skin, often through minor wounds, follicles, or sweat glands.

A type of skin infection caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, characterized by pus-filled bumps or boils.

Staphylococcus aureus often lives in the nostrils and on the skin, causing various infections.

The most common cause of localized pus-filled lesions in humans, often due to the bacteria's ability to produce coagulase, which forms a wall around the infection.

Characteristic infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus, where coagulase forms a fibrin wall around the infection, preventing the spread of bacteria but also making it difficult to treat.

Superficial infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, including folliculitis, carbuncles, boils, and abscesses.

Staph. aureus can spread to deeper tissues, causing infections such as osteomyelitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, and meningitis.

A toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus associated with toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, rash, and may lead to life-threatening complications like hypotension, heart failure, and kidney failure.

A condition caused by Staphylococcus aureus characterized by widespread peeling of the skin, often seen in babies and young children. Occurs due to toxins A and B produced by the bacteria.

A common mechanism by which Staphylococcus aureus becomes resistant to penicillin. This enzyme breaks down the structure of penicillin, rendering it ineffective.

A Gram-positive bacteria typically found in chains. They are known for causing various infections, including scarlet fever, strep throat, and skin infections.

Toxins produced by Streptococcus pyogenes that cause various symptoms like rashes and fever. These toxins act as superantigens, triggering an excessive immune response.

A pyrogenic toxin (erythrogenic toxin) responsible for causing Scarlet fever and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). It acts as a superantigen, over-activating the immune system.

A protease toxin produced by Streptococcus pyogenes that rapidly breaks down tissues. It's often involved in necrotizing fasciitis, also known as 'flesh-eating bacteria'.

A rare but dangerous condition caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. It involves the rapid destruction of soft tissues, often leading to serious complications.

A bacterial infection of the skin characterized by blisters that break, leaving a raw surface with pus or crusts.

A group of rapidly spreading infections involving the lymphatic system with minimal localized pus formation.

A skin infection characterized by redness, swelling, and a rapidly expanding border, often on the face or legs.

A condition that occurs when group A Streptococcus (Str. pyogenes) releases toxic substances called pyrogenic exotoxins A and B, leading to a serious and life-threatening infection with shock, bacteremia, and multi-organ failure.

A childhood illness characterized by a sore throat and a red rash, caused by a strain of Str. pyogenes that produces erythrogenic toxin.

A condition that occurs 2-3 weeks after a throat or skin infection with specific strains of Str. pyogenes, causing inflammation of the kidneys.

A serious complication that can arise after an infection with Str. pyogenes, where bacteria in the blood stream infect the heart valves.

A collection of infections involving various tissues, including wounds, skin, fascia, and lymph nodes. These infections can be caused by different strains of Str. pyogenes and range in severity.

The initial infection with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), where the virus multiplies in the mucous membrane or abraded skin and causes vesicular lesions that turn into shallow ulcers and eventually heal without scarring.

The stage of HSV-1 infection where the virus travels through nerves to the trigeminal ganglia, causing acute infection followed by latency, meaning the virus remains dormant in the body.

Reactivation of the HSV-1 virus after latency, leading to recurrent outbreaks of lesions, potentially triggered by factors like sunlight, fever, menstruation, or emotional stress.

A common form of recurrent HSV-1 infection, resulting in clusters of vesicles appearing on the lips or nose, at the junction between skin and mucous membranes.

A complication of HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection that can occur in individuals with weakened immune systems, where the virus spreads to the lungs, causing inflammation and potential respiratory distress.

The initial infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV), causing chickenpox, a highly contagious childhood illness characterized by a rash that spreads from the trunk to the limbs and face.

The stage of VZV infection where the virus spreads through the bloodstream to the reticuloendothelial system, the body's network of immune cells.

The second stage of VZV infection, where the virus spreads again through the bloodstream, causing a rash on the skin.

A bacterial infection caused by Clostridium perfringens, characterized by the release of toxins after sporulation. Its clinical manifestations can include soft tissue infections like cellulitis, fasciitis and myonecrosis (gas gangrene), as well as food poisoning.

The primary toxin produced by Clostridium perfringens, responsible for the destruction of red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, and endothelial cells. It causes increased vascular permeability, bleeding, and tissue damage.

A toxin produced by Clostridium perfringens that is associated with causing necrotic lesions in necrotizing enterocolitis.

A heat-labile toxin produced by Clostridium perfringens responsible for causing food poisoning. It is produced in the colon after ingestion of contaminated food.

A fungal infection that affects the outermost layer of skin and hair, resulting in hypo- or hyperpigmented skin patches, usually on the trunk of the body. It is caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur.

A group of fungi that cause skin infections. They include Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton floccosum. Infections are spread through direct contact with humans or animals.

A type of fungal infection that affects the subcutaneous tissue, characterized by swelling, abscess formation, and drainage through sinus tracts. These infections often produce granules, small, colored bodies, in the exudates.

A type of fungal infection that affects the subcutaneous tissue, often affecting the foot. It is characterized by swelling, abscess formation, and drainage through sinus tracts. The infection often results in granules, usually colored, in the exudates.

VZV reactivation, often after times of weakened immune system or localized injury. It affects sensory nerves leading to severe pain, followed by a cluster of blisters typically on one side of the body.

Caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a highly contagious virus leading to a characteristic rash with itchy blisters. Infection can also occur by contact with contaminated objects.

Inflammation of the brain caused by a viral infection, most commonly by the measles virus. It can cause serious complications like encephalitis and seizures.

An acute, highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus. It is characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a distinctive rash, often preceded by Koplik's spots.

A viral infection caused by the rubella virus, which is characterized by a mild rash, low-grade fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It can be particularly harmful for pregnant women.

A serious complication of rubella infection in a pregnant woman, leading to various congenital defects in the fetus, including deafness, eye defects, and heart problems.

A chronic pain syndrome that can occur after shingles infection. It can persist for months or years, causing significant pain and discomfort.

The period between exposure to the virus and the appearance of symptoms. For measles, it is approximately 10 days.