Hospital Acquired Infections — MCQs

Hospital Acquired Infections Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 61: A patient develops sepsis following the use of a central venous catheter. Which organism is most commonly associated with this condition?

A. Candida spp.
B. Staphylococcus epidermidis (Correct Answer)
C. Escherichia coli (E. coli)
D. Pseudomonas species

Explanation: ***Staphylococcus epidermidis*** - This organism is a common commensal on the skin and the most frequent cause of **catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI)** due to its ability to form **biofilms** on medical devices. - Its presence on the skin makes it an opportunistic pathogen that can easily contaminate and colonize the surface of central venous catheters, leading to systemic infection. *Candida spp.* - While fungal infections can occur with central venous catheters, especially in immunocompromised patients or those on prolonged antibiotics, **Candida** is less common than bacterial causes like *Staphylococcus epidermidis* in general sepsis cases. - **Candidemia** in the setting of CVCs is often associated with total parenteral nutrition, abdominal surgery, or broad-spectrum antibiotic use. *Escherichia coli (E. coli)* - **E. coli** is a common cause of sepsis, particularly from **urinary tract infections (UTIs)** or intra-abdominal infections, but it is not the most common organism associated "directly" with central venous catheter-related sepsis. - While *E. coli* can cause CRBSIs, it typically indicates a source other than simple skin colonization of the catheter, often due to translocation from the gut. *Pseudomonas species* - **Pseudomonas** species, notably *P. aeruginosa*, are typically associated with catheter-related infections in specific contexts, such as in neutropenic patients, those with significant underlying lung disease (e.g., cystic fibrosis), or those in critical care settings. - While it can cause severe CRBSIs, it is not the *most common* overall pathogen compared to coagulase-negative staphylococci like *S. epidermidis*.

Question 62: A 60-year-old patient develops a central line infection with gram-positive cocci that are catalase-positive and coagulase-negative. What is the most likely pathogen?

A. Staphylococcus aureus
B. Staphylococcus epidermidis (Correct Answer)
C. Streptococcus pneumoniae
D. Enterococcus faecalis

Explanation: ***Staphylococcus epidermidis*** - This pathogen is a common cause of **catheter-related infections** and is characterized by being **catalase-positive** and **coagulase-negative**. - Its ability to form **biofilms** on medical devices makes it a significant cause of central line infections, especially in immunocompromised or hospitalized patients. *Staphylococcus aureus* - While *Staphylococcus aureus* is a gram-positive cocci and **catalase-positive**, it is uniquely characterized by being **coagulase-positive**, producing an enzyme that clots plasma. - It often causes more aggressive infections, including skin infections, pneumonia, and sepsis, which are usually not limited to indwelling devices. *Streptococcus pneumoniae* - *Streptococcus pneumoniae* is a gram-positive cocci, but it is **catalase-negative**, distinguishing it from *Staphylococcus* species. - It is a common cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media, and is less frequently associated with central line infections compared to staphylococci. *Enterococcus faecalis* - *Enterococcus faecalis* is a gram-positive cocci, but it is typically **catalase-negative** (though some strains can show weak catalase activity), and it is not coagulase-positive. - It commonly causes urinary tract infections, endocarditis, and hospital-acquired infections, but is not the most likely pathogen given the specific coagulase-negative characteristic in the context of a central line infection.

Question 63: Which type of microorganism is most commonly associated with nosocomial infections?

A. Gram-negative bacilli (Correct Answer)
B. Gram-negative cocci
C. Fungi
D. Gram-positive bacilli

Explanation: ***Gram-negative bacilli*** - Common examples like **_Pseudomonas aeruginosa_**, **_Klebsiella pneumoniae_**, and **_Escherichia coli_** are significant causes of **hospital-acquired infections**, particularly **urinary tract infections**, **pneumonia**, and **surgical site infections**. - Their intrinsic and acquired **antibiotic resistance mechanisms** make them challenging to treat in healthcare settings. *Gram-negative cocci* - While **_Neisseria_ species** (e.g., **_N. meningitidis_**, **_N. gonorrhoeae_**) are Gram-negative cocci, they are less frequently implicated in overall nosocomial infections compared to Gram-negative bacilli or certain Gram-positive organisms. - **_Moraxella catarrhalis_** is another Gram-negative coccus that can cause opportunistic infections but is not a primary driver of widespread nosocomial outbreaks. *Fungi* - **Fungal infections** (e.g., **_Candida_ species**, **_Aspergillus_ species**) are important causes of nosocomial infections, especially in **immunocompromised patients** and those with central venous catheters. - However, in terms of overall burden across all types of nosocomial infections, bacteria, particularly Gram-negative bacilli, are generally more prevalent. *Gram-positive bacilli* - While some Gram-positive bacilli like **_Clostridium difficile_** (a significant cause of **healthcare-associated diarrhea**) and **_Bacillus cereus_** (food poisoning) are relevant in nosocomial settings, they do not collectively represent the most common type of microorganism for all nosocomial infections. - The most prominent Gram-positive nosocomial pathogens are typically cocci, such as MRSA (**methicillin-resistant _Staphylococcus aureus_**), not bacilli.

Question 64: Which of the following specific microorganisms are most commonly implicated in infections after hemodialysis?

A. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (Gram positive organisms) (Correct Answer)
B. Escherichia coli (Gram negative)
C. Bacteroides (Anaerobes)
D. Chlamydia

Explanation: ***Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (Gram positive organisms)*** - *S. aureus* and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the most common causes of bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients, primarily due to access site colonization and manipulation. - These organisms readily colonize the skin and can be introduced into the bloodstream during vascular access procedures. *Escherichia coli (Gram negative)* - While *E. coli* can cause infections in hemodialysis patients (e.g., urinary tract infections), it is not the most common cause of dialysis-related bloodstream infections. - Gram-negative bacteria account for a smaller proportion of access-related bloodstream infections compared to Gram-positive cocci. *Bacteroides (Anaerobes)* - Anaerobic bacteria like *Bacteroides* are rare causes of bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients. - Infections involving *Bacteroides* typically originate from sites with low oxygen tension, such as the gastrointestinal tract, and are less associated with vascular access. *Chlamydia* - *Chlamydia* species are intracellular bacteria known for causing sexually transmitted infections and respiratory infections. - They are not typically implicated in bloodstream infections or complications related to hemodialysis access.

Question 65: Which MRSA strain type is most commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections?

A. Phage type 83A
B. Phage type 85
C. Phage type 84
D. Phage type 80/81 (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Phage type 80/81*** - This **phage type**, particularly **epidemic methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (EMRSA) 15 and 16**, is historically and currently the most common cause of **hospital-acquired MRSA infections** worldwide. - It rapidly diversified and spread globally, becoming a significant nosocomial pathogen. *Phage type 83A* - While this phage type has been associated with **MRSA outbreaks**, it is not the most common strain type globally for hospital-acquired infections. - Its prevalence is more regional and sporadic compared to the widespread dominance of EMRSA 15/16. *Phage type 84* - **Phage type 84** is not widely recognized as a predominant strain associated with the majority of **hospital-acquired MRSA infections**. - Other, more virulent and successful clonal types have outcompeted it to become the most prevalent. *Phage type 85* - Similar to other less common types, **phage type 85** does not represent the major lineage responsible for the bulk of **hospital-acquired MRSA cases**. - The landscape of MRSA epidemiology is dominated by a few highly successful clonal complexes, of which 80/81 is a prime example.

Question 66: Most common organism causing ventilator associated pneumonia -

A. Legionella
B. Pneumococcus
C. Pseudomonas (Correct Answer)
D. Coagulase negative staphylococcus

Explanation: ***Pseudomonas*** - **Pseudomonas aeruginosa** is one of the most common causes of **ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)**, particularly in **late-onset VAP** (≥5 days) and in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation, prior antibiotic exposure, or underlying lung disease. - Its ability to form **biofilms** and its intrinsic antibiotic resistance contribute to its prevalence in hospital-acquired infections. - Along with **Staphylococcus aureus** (especially MRSA), Pseudomonas is consistently among the leading causes of VAP in ICU settings. *Legionella* - **Legionella** is a less common cause of VAP and is typically associated with contaminated water sources, manifesting as **Legionnaires' disease**. - It usually causes severe, rapidly progressive pneumonia and is often harder to culture than other bacteria. *Pneumococcus* - **Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pneumococcus)** is the most common cause of **community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)**, but it is less frequently implicated in VAP. - While it can cause severe pneumonia and may be seen in **early-onset VAP**, its incidence in late-onset VAP is lower compared to Gram-negative rods like Pseudomonas. *Coagulase negative staphylococcus* - **Coagulase-negative Staphylococci** (e.g., *Staphylococcus epidermidis*) are common **contaminants** in cultures and primarily cause device-related infections, such as those associated with central venous catheters. - They are rarely a primary cause of VAP, as they typically have low virulence in the respiratory tract.

Question 67: Which of the following statements about Staphylococcus epidermidis is true?

A. The only coagulase negative staphylococcus of clinical significance
B. Produces exotoxins
C. Sensitive to methicillin
D. Forms biofilms on medical devices (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Forms biofilms on medical devices*** - *Staphylococcus epidermidis* is a common cause of **nosocomial infections** associated with medical devices such as catheters, prosthetic joints, and heart valves. - Its ability to form **biofilms** allows it to adhere to these surfaces, evade host defenses, and resist antibiotic treatment. *Sensitive to methicillin* - While some strains of *S. epidermidis* may be sensitive, many strains are **methicillin-resistant** (MRSE), which is a significant clinical concern. - MRSE owes its resistance to the **_mecA_ gene**, which encodes for an altered penicillin-binding protein (PBP2a). *The only coagulase negative staphylococcus of clinical significance* - Although *S. epidermidis* is the most common and clinically significant **coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS)**, other CoNS species, such as *Staphylococcus saprophyticus* (a cause of UTIs) and *Staphylococcus lugdunensis* (can cause endocarditis), are also clinically significant. - The classification "coagulase-negative" simply distinguishes them from *Staphylococcus aureus*, which produces coagulase. *Produces exotoxins* - While *S. aureus* is known for producing a wide array of potent **exotoxins** that contribute to its pathogenicity (e.g., toxic shock syndrome toxin, exfoliatin), *S. epidermidis* generally does not produce significant exotoxins. - Its pathogenicity primarily stems from its ability to form **biofilms** and its resistance to antibiotics.

Practice by Chapter

Epidemiology of Hospital Infections

Practice Questions

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections

Practice Questions

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

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Surgical Site Infections

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Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections

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Clostridium difficile Infection

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Hospital Infection Control Programs

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Isolation Precautions

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Hand Hygiene

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Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection

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Surveillance of Hospital Infections

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Bundle Approach to Prevention

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