Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a common yet highly resistant bacterium that is responsible for a broad range of infections including toxic shock syndrome, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and many more.  Commonly referred to as “staph,” the bacteria can essentially infect any part of the human body with the severity of cases varying from mild to life threatening.  There are over 30 different types of Staphylococcus that can infect humans, but Staphylococcus aureus is the most common.  Anyone can develop a staph infection, though infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems due to pre-existing conditions are at a higher risk.

Skin infections are usually diagnosed by their appearance, but more serious infections are diagnosed using cultures.  The laboratory will also test to see which antibiotics will successfully treat the strain that is causing the infection.  There are no vaccines to prevent infections from Staphylococcus aureus, and some strains such as MRSA have become resistant to many common antibiotics.  Staphylococcus aureus bacteria may cause infection, as well as the toxins secreted by them as in toxic shock syndrome.  Staphylococcus aureus infections can be treated by triple antibiotic ointment, and oral or intravenous antibiotics, depending on the type of infection and its severity.

Staph infections are one thing that do not seem as prevalent, unless you have dealt with them personally.  I came across many testimonials as I was reading up on Staphylococcus aureus.  Most of us hear about hospital patients getting them, but that’s not always the case.  Staphylococcus aureus is every where.  I had a nephew that got sick in early 2003.  He had never been in a hospital, besides when he was born.  Our family and friends all thought he “just” had the flu.  He passed away three days after his flu-like symptoms appeared.  His autopsy revealed an obviously serious staph infection in his intestines.  My father is a diabetic, and he has been suffering from osteomyelitis for two and a half years.  He’s seen many different doctors and been on many different antibiotics but between the resistance of the staph, and his diabetic complications he get rid of the infection.  Amputation has been recommended, but because of the likelihood that the infection will return, my dad would rather keep his nasty foot.  Maybe one day they’ll start having walks to raise money to fight staph.

For more information, you can check out the following links.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/228816-overview

http://www.medicinenet.com/staph_infection/article.htm