Characteristics of Staphylococcus Aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria found on the skin or in the nasal passages, although the mere presence of staph does not indicate an infection. Most infections require opportunity, such as an open wound or an invasive medical procedure. Staph infections most often involve the skin; however, they can become more serious and involve the bones, blood or organs.

• Staph infection

Identification

• Staphlococcus aureus generally causes a red pimple-like wound or blisters, which are hot and painful. It may become inflamed and possibly ooze pus or other secretions. The person affected might have a fever. It may resemble a spider bite. These are the common dermatological or skin-related symptoms of a staph infection.

Types

• Other types of Staphlococcus aureus infections include toxic-shock syndrome, which is almost exclusively linked to the use of tampons with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, muscle aches and low blood pressure. A staph infection can cause the contagious impetigo, which causes a crusting wound. It can cause cellulitis, where the connecting tissue under the skin becomes affected. This can then develop into scalded skin syndrome, a serious infection. Staph infections can also enter the bloodstream and cause an infection called sepsis or get into the lungs and cause staph pneumonia. Staph infections can also get into the bones, causing osteomyelitis, or the heart valves in endocarditis.

Treatment

• Generally, with a mild staph infection washing with antibacterial cleanser and applying a prescription ointment will be sufficient. Sometimes a doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic as well. The wound should be kept clean and covered. Sometimes the wound may need to be drained by a physician. In more serious cases, hospitalization may be required to treat the infection. There are types of Staphylococcus aureus, particularly the methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infection (MRSA), which have become resistant to a number of antibiotic treatments.However, there are drugs available that will treat even the more difficult MRSA cases.

Prevention

• Preventing a staph infection requires good hygiene habits. Frequent hand washing, for at least 15-30 seconds, is the best defense against staph infections. Also, don't share personal items like washcloths, towels or shaving equipment, and keep all wounds covered and clean.

Risk factors

• Those most likely to get a staph infection are those who have been hospitalized with wounds from surgery or other trauma, those with weakened immune systems and people who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and lung or vascular conditions. Breast-feeding mothers and infants, and drug users are also in higher risk categories. Those who have invasive medical devices like catheters or shunts are also more likely to contract a staphylococcal infection.