How will you biochemically distinguish between staph and Streptococcus?
The catalase test is a particularly important test used to determine whether the Gram + cocci is a staphylococci or a streptococci. Catalase is an enzyme that converts hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen gas. The test is easy to perform; bacteria are simply mixed with H 2O 2.
Is TSS caused by staph?
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. Often toxic shock syndrome results from toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria, but the condition may also be caused by toxins produced by group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria.
What is the difference between the toxic shock that you get with strep vs the one you get with staph?
Streptococcal TSS commonly causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (in about 55% of patients), coagulopathy, and hepatic damage and is more likely to cause fever, malaise, and severe pain at the site of a soft-tissue infection. Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome causes a diffuse erythematous rash.
Which of the following biochemical tests could be used to differentiate Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species?
Staphylococcus vs. Streptococcus
| Characteristic | Staphylococcus |
|---|---|
| Catalase Test (Most Important test to differentiate Staph from Strep) | Staphylococci are catalase-positive (presence of catalase enzyme) |
| Growth Requirement | Staphylococci are not fastidious (does not need enriched media) |
What bacteria causes TSS?
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is caused by either staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. These bacteria normally live on the skin and in the nose or mouth without causing harm, but if they get deeper into the body they can release toxins that damage tissue and stop organs working.
How does Staphylococcus aureus cause TSS?
Staphylococcal TSS is due to an infection with Staphylococcus aureus, that releases toxins and causes a massive immune reaction involving mainly cytokines and chemokines. This reaction is related to the activation of T cells by the production of superantigens that circumvent the normal pathway of antigen presentation.
How long does it take for a tampon to cause toxic shock syndrome?
Symptoms usually develop in 3 to 5 days in women who are menstruating and using tampons. If you experience the above symptoms after using tampons or after a surgery or skin injury, contact your health care provider immediately.
What antibiotics treat TSS?
The usually prescribed antibiotics are nafcillin, oxacillin, and first generation cephalosporin. Nafcillin or oxacillin (2 g q4h) is generally recommended. Vancomycin can be used in penicillin-allergic patients. These agents have been known to increase TSST-1 in culture possibly by cell lysis.
Is strep or staph worse?
Streptococcal infection is even more dangerous than the staphylococcal form.
How does Staphylococcus aureus differ from Streptococcus pyogenes?
Although all infections are potentially serious, the microbiological literature associates Staph. aureus rather with localized disease such as abscess formation and purulent discharge, while Strep. pyogenes is linked to extensive diseases ranging from erysipelas to necrotizing fasciitis [1–4.
What test is most useful for distinguishing between Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae?
Taxos A (bacitracin sensitivity testing) This test is commonly used to distinguish between the b-hemolytic streptococci: Streptococcus agalactiae (bacitracin resistant) and Streptococcus pyogenes (bacitracin sensitive).
Can strep cause sepsis?
Group A Streptococcus, also called group A strep, is a bacterium that can cause many different infections. These may cause sepsis. Sometimes incorrectly called blood poisoning, sepsis is the body’s life-threatening response to infection.
How long does it take to develop toxic shock syndrome?
In general, TSS symptoms can develop as soon as 12 hours after a surgical procedure. Symptoms usually develop in 3 to 5 days in women who are menstruating and using tampons. If you experience the above symptoms after using tampons or after a surgery or skin injury, contact your health care provider immediately.
Is TSS always fatal?
TSS gets worse very quickly and can be fatal if not treated promptly. But if it’s diagnosed and treated early, most people make a full recovery.