Test Your Knowledge About Hospital Acquired Infection! Quiz

E.coli is classified as gram-negative because it does not retain the crystal violet stain during the Gram staining process. Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which does not retain the stain. Instead, they take on the counterstain, which is usually safranin, and appear pink or red under a microscope. This classification is important for identifying and treating bacterial infections, as gram-negative bacteria have different cell wall structures and are often more resistant to antibiotics compared to gram-positive bacteria.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have higher rates of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and worse outcomes compared to patients with other conditions listed. Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which can disrupt the normal gut microbiota and increase susceptibility to CDI. CDI is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The underlying inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease can also exacerbate the severity of CDI and lead to poorer outcomes. Therefore, patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at a higher risk for CDI and experience worse outcomes.

A typical initial manifestation of CDI is watery diarrhea. Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a bacterial infection that affects the colon and causes inflammation. One of the hallmark symptoms of CDI is watery diarrhea, which can be severe and frequent. This occurs because the bacteria release toxins that damage the lining of the colon, leading to increased fluid secretion and decreased absorption. Other symptoms like abdominal distension, vomiting, and dyspepsia may also be present, but watery diarrhea is often the first and most prominent symptom of CDI.

Staphylococci and E.coli are the most common causes of infection in hospitals. Staphylococci are bacteria that can cause various types of infections, including skin infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. E.coli, short for Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. In hospitals, these bacteria can spread through contaminated surfaces, equipment, or healthcare workers, leading to infections in vulnerable patients. Therefore, it is important for hospitals to implement strict infection control measures to prevent the spread of these bacteria and reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

Urinary tract infection is the most commonly acquired hospital infection. This is because urinary catheters, which are frequently used in hospitals, can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, leading to an infection. Additionally, patients in hospitals may have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to urinary tract infections. Proper hygiene practices and the use of sterile techniques can help prevent the spread of urinary tract infections in hospitals.

Metronidazole is the correct answer because it is associated with neurotoxicity, which means it can cause damage to the nervous system. Therefore, using metronidazole to treat repeated recurrences of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is not recommended. Vancomycin is commonly used to treat CDI, but it is not the correct answer in this case. Amoxicillin and clarithromycin are not typically used to treat CDI, so they are also not the correct answer.

Fluoroquinolones have been associated with a 3-fold increased risk of C.diff infection worldwide. This suggests that the widespread use of fluoroquinolones has contributed to the higher incidence of C.diff infections.

Hand-washing hygiene is important because gram negative rods are not typically found on the resident skin flora, but they can easily be transmitted through the hands. Proper hand-washing helps to remove these harmful bacteria and prevent their spread, reducing the risk of infections and illnesses.

A cell culture cytotoxic assay is considered the gold standard for diagnosing CDI because it directly detects the presence of the toxin produced by the Clostridium difficile bacteria. This assay involves exposing cultured cells to the patient's stool sample and observing for cell death, which indicates the presence of the toxin. This method is highly sensitive and specific, allowing for accurate diagnosis of CDI. PCR tests can also be used for diagnosis, but they may have a higher rate of false positives. Stool culture and sensitivity testing and small bowel biopsy are not typically used as primary diagnostic methods for CDI.

E.coli, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas are gram-negative bacteria that tend to colonize in moist areas. Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer in their cell walls, which makes them more resistant to antibiotics and allows them to thrive in moist environments. These bacteria can be found in various habitats such as soil, water, and the human body. They can cause infections in humans, particularly in the urinary tract, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal tract.