Microbiology Question:

Physical findings and other factors that should suggest the presence of septicemia in a particular patient are all of the following except?

Microbiology Interview Question

Answer:

* A. Shaking chills, spiking fevers
* B. Conjunctivitis
* C. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
* D. in elderly patients, decreased urine output or mental changes (confusion)

Correct Answer: B

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The diagnosis of septicemia should be considered in patients who are at increased risk of blood stream infection (often secondary to local disease, such as urinary tract infection or pneumonia). All of the following are factors predisposing patients to septicemia except?

It is extremely difficult to eradicate staphylococcal infection in the presence of a foreign body. Thus, infected artificial joints and infected intravenous lines often must be removed in conjunction with optimal intravenous anti-staphylococcal therapy with oxacillin or nafcillin (sometimes in combination with rifampin) in order to eradicate such staphylococcal infections (and these attempts are not always successful). Staphylococcal infection of bone may persist for many years despite what should be optimal antimicrobial therapy. The most likely reason for this tenacity of staphylococcal osteomyelitis is:?