Normal flora as a source of opportunistic pathogens

(S. epidermidis, S. mutans, P. aeruginosa, Candida albicans)

The compromised Human Host

Compromising factors

Disease

• Pathogen related
  • Chronic infection
    • Diabetes
    • Otitis media
  • Genetic
    • Cystic fibrosis
    • Asthma
• Congenital defects/Anatomical anomalies
  • Heart valve defects
  • Heart valve defects
• Injury
  • Traumatic
  • Burns
• Age related factors
  • Otitis media in children
  • Legionellosis
• Overwhelming exposure to pathogens
  • Case study Albuterol contaminated with P.a.
• Medical intervention – Iatrogenic/nosocomial exposure
  • The myth of aseptic technique
  • The medical staff as sources of infection
  • Antibiotic therapy
    • Importance of completing therapeutic course
    • Importance of matching therapy to pathogen
  • Surgery
  • Implanted devices
    • “Aseptic rejection” of prosthetic devices
    • Temporary
      • Urinary catheters
      • Inhalation devices
    • Permanent
      • Prosthetic hips
      • Pacemaker leads
        

Prevention techniques

Prophylactic antibiotic therapy

Antimicrobic treated materials

Case study – the St Jude’s heart valve sewing cuff

The value of probiotic therapy