Podcast
Questions and Answers
In immunocompromised individuals, what role can normal microbial flora, typically harmless in healthy individuals, assume?
In immunocompromised individuals, what role can normal microbial flora, typically harmless in healthy individuals, assume?
- Transient colonizers, preventing pathogenic infections.
- Obligate mutualists, providing essential nutrients.
- Opportunistic pathogens, causing disease. (correct)
- Beneficial symbionts, enhancing immune response.
If a skin sample from a healthy individual is analyzed, and over 90% of the aerobic bacteria present are identified as one species, which of the following is the MOST probable?
If a skin sample from a healthy individual is analyzed, and over 90% of the aerobic bacteria present are identified as one species, which of the following is the MOST probable?
- _Streptococcus pyogenes_
- _Staphylococcus aureus_
- _Staphylococcus epidermidis_ (correct)
- _Micrococcus luteus_
A patient presents with a localized skin infection. Culture results reveal a Gram-positive coccus. While Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common skin commensal, which of the following factors would MOST strongly suggest that Staphylococcus aureus is the causative agent?
A patient presents with a localized skin infection. Culture results reveal a Gram-positive coccus. While Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common skin commensal, which of the following factors would MOST strongly suggest that Staphylococcus aureus is the causative agent?
- The patient has a history of eczema.
- The bacteria are catalase-negative.
- The infection site is on the perineum. (correct)
- The patient reports recent antibiotic use.
Which characteristic differentiates micrococci from the other common inhabitants found on human skin?
Which characteristic differentiates micrococci from the other common inhabitants found on human skin?
Considering the potential roles of normal flora, if a novel treatment significantly reduced all Staphylococcus epidermidis populations on the skin, what is the MOST likely consequence for the host?
Considering the potential roles of normal flora, if a novel treatment significantly reduced all Staphylococcus epidermidis populations on the skin, what is the MOST likely consequence for the host?
Flashcards
Normal Microbial Flora
Normal Microbial Flora
Microorganisms that live on or in humans, potentially aiding, harming, or coexisting without effect.
Normal Flora Effects
Normal Flora Effects
Helpful, harmful, or neutral.
Normal Flora Risks
Normal Flora Risks
They can cause disease if the host's defenses are weakened.
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Staphylococcus epidermidis
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Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus
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Study Notes
- Normal human microbial flora can help, harm, or coexist harmlessly with the host.
- While usually harmless in healthy people, normal microbial flora can cause disease in compromised individuals.
Normal Flora of Skin
- Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most common skin inhabitant, making up over 90% of the resident aerobic flora in some areas.
- Staphylococcus aureus is found in the nose and perineum.
- Micrococci are less common than staphylococci and diphtheroids but are frequently present on normal skin.
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