Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium. According to KidsHealth.org, Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found on the skin and in the nose. These bacteria cause no problem in healthy people. Broken skin or a weakened immune system allows the bacteria to spread and cause infections. The Mayo Clinic states that these bacteria usually cause minor illnesses but can also lead to life-threatening situations.
Symptoms
According to Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of a Staphylococus aureus infection will vary depending on the area of the body affected. Various skin symptoms might include boils; oozing blisters; or red, swollen skin that might also appear raw or burnt. If the bacteria cause food poisoning, a person might experience stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Bacteremia occurs when the bacteria get into the bloodstream. From there, it's possible for the bacteria to infect the heart, lungs or implanted devices such as pace makers and artificial joints. Symptoms of bacteremia include high temperature, chills, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort and an overall appearance of feeling extremely sick. Toxic shock syndrome patients will develop high temperatures, nausea, vomiting, seizures and headaches. Septic arthritis is another disorder caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and symptoms include swelling of the joints, pain, fever and chills.
Causes
Mayo Clinic states that many staphylococcal infections occur from bacteria that continuously live on your skin. These types of bacteria are easily spread from person to person and are considered very hardy. Staphylococcus aureus can live on clothing or other inanimate items. They can survive drying, high temperatures and high levels of salt. Staph bacteria can even survive cooking, which is why they easily cause food poisoning.
Diagnosis
According to Mayo Clinic, Staphylococcus aureus is diagnosed by testing a tissue or nasal sample. A culture will provide positive identification of the bacteria.
Treatment
According to KidsHealth.org, most skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus will only require treatment such as cleaning with antibacterial soap and water and applying an antibiotic ointment prescribed by a health care provider. The infected area will need a protective covering to prevent spreading the bacteria. Health care providers may also prescribe oral antibiotics. Mayo Clinic states that fewer than 10 percent of staph infections can be effectively treated with penicillin today. Approximately half of staph infections are resistant to the antibiotic methicillin, and these are known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Bacteria that have become resistant to methicillin will require use of more potent antibiotics such as vancomycin. Some strains of Staphylococcus aureus have already become resistant to this drug as well.
Prevention
KidsHealth.org stresses that hand washing will help prevent the spread of Staphylococcus aureus. Dirty hands, fingernails and skin increase the chances of getting a staph infection. The Mayo Clinic states that other ways to prevent staph infections include keeping wounds covered, changing tampons every four to eight hours and avoiding sharing of personal items such as towels, razors and athletic equipment.
