Staphylococcus aureus is a type of Staphylococcus family, which lives in a form of group. These gram-positive bacteria can cause multiple diseases directly, such as skin infections or by producing toxins, responsible for food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome.

These bacteria are mostly located in the nose and on the skin (and less commonly in other parts) of 20%-30% of healthy adults. In the normal conditions, these bacteria do not cause any trouble. However, skin or other injuries may activate it to overcome the natural protective mechanisms of the body, leading to infection.

People at risk for Staph

Although so many health articles and health tips are available on internet to prevent Staph infections, nevertheless, a certain groups of people are at greater risk which includes newborn babies, lactating mothers, patients suffering from, cancer, diabetes, vascular and lung disease.

Injecting drug users, people with skin injuries or disorders, intravenous catheters, surgical incisions, and those who have weak immunity, have an elevated risk of developing Staph infections.

Staph infections

Staph skin infections can progress to mild disorder such as impetigo (a crusting of the skin) or cellulitis (inflammation of the connective tissue). In rare cases, a serious condition, known as scalded skin syndrome can develop. In breastfeeding mothers, Staph can result in mastitis (inflammation of the breast).

When the bacteria enter the body and penetrate to other organs, it can cause a number of life threatening infections, like sepsis (widespread infection of the bloodstream) is a leading cause of shock and circulatory collapse, leading to death, in people with severe burns over large areas of the body.

Staph food poisoning is an illness of the bowels that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Foods contaminated with toxins produced by Staph aureus are the culprit. Symptoms usually appear within one to six hours after eating such food. The illness usually lasts for one to three days and resolves on its own.

Toxic shock syndrome caused by toxins secreted by anaerobic bacteria. Toxic shock syndrome is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches, followed by low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to shock and death.

Staph infections diagnosis

In minor cases of skin infections, Staphylococcal infections are usually diagnosed by their appearance. Lab tests for Staph are necessary for bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and endocarditis. The laboratory establishes the diagnosis and determines which antibiotics are effective against the bacteria.

How to treat Staph infections

Mild skin infections can usually be cured with an antibiotic ointment, but oral antibiotics may be given for skin infections also. Additionally, if abscesses are present, they are surgically drained. More serious are treated with intravenous antibiotics for quick action. The choice of antibiotic depends on the susceptibility of the particular staphylococcal strain as determined by lab culture results. Some Staph strains, such as MRSA have created resistance against many antibiotics.

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