By Disease Name > Bullous Impetigo

Impetigo

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Bullous impetigo

pure staph infection; local toxins (exfoliatin)
particular strain = phage group 2 type 71 (same as in staph scalded skin)
split in granular layer; may not see intact blister clinically (in either form of impetigo)
culture and gram stain of blister usually negative (because toxin mediated)
major complication = staph scalded skin syndrome

 

Impetigo contagiosum

staph and/or strep infection;  can lead to post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (but not rheumatic fever)
subcorneal blister (i.e. very superficial)
on gram stain: to be called “pathologic”, the organisms must be seen in PMNs
major complication (with strep) = post-streptocoocal glomerulonephritis (remember that Rh fever is only from strep pharyngitis mnemonic - the only way to a man's heart is through his throat but PSGN can be from either)