Staphylococcus is a group of gram-positive bacteria that appear as clusters of grapes under the microscope. More commonly called staph for short, this bacteria proves responsible for a variety of infections of the body, some of which can become life-threatening. Over 30 types of staphylococcus exist, but the most common one that causes a plethora of infections is staphylococcus aureus, according to the Mayo Clinic website, MayoClinic.com.
Skin Infections
Infection of the skin by staphylococcus can lead to a variety of conditions depending on which layer of the skin has become affected. Impetigo is an infection of the surface of the skin characterized by small to large blisters or scabs that eventually break open and crust over, states MayoClinic.com. When staphylococcus infects the hair follicles or glands, boils--pockets of pus, form, occurring most often under the arms and around the groin and buttocks. Cellulitis is a deeper spreading infection of the skin characterized by dimpling of the skin. As the infection enlarges, fever and swollen lymph nodes often occurs. The mammary glands of the breast may also become infected by staphylococcus leading to a condition called mastitis.
Sepsis
A serious and life-threatening condition caused by infection of the bloodstream is called sepsis, or blood poisoning. The immune system attempts to fight off the infection leading to a condition referred to as systemic inflammatory response syndrome or SIRS. The physiological response often increases heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature and causes changes in white blood cell counts, says MayoClinic.com. As the infection travels the bloodstream, it can infect implanted devices such as pacemakers and catheters and internal organs leading to pneumonia or endocarditis. In burn victims, sepsis due to staphylococcus infections remains the leading cause of shock and circulatory collapse.
Bacterial Pneumonia
Bacterial or staphylococcus pneumonia occurs in one or both lungs. It most often occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems or an underlying lung disease. Symptoms generally resemble a cold initially but progress to a fever, severe chills, shortness of breath and chest pains. Physicians treat pneumonia with antibiotics; however, it still remains a serious health problem and remains the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning can occur if food contaminated with staphylococcus bacteria becomes ingested, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Food poisoning occurs in the bowels and lasts approximately 1 to 3 days and most often resolves on its own. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting along with diarrhea and dehydration, which appear 1 to 6 hours after ingestion of the contaminated food.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
A serious and life-threatening condition called toxic shock syndrome is an illness caused by the toxins produced by staphylococcus bacteria, reports the staff at MayoClinic.com. The toxins are produced in an anaerobic state, a state in which the bacteria have with little or no oxygen. Although rare, it can affect anyone with a staph infection. There is often a rapid onset of symptoms, which include high fever, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and decreases in blood pressure. It eventually can lead to multiorgan failure if not treated properly.
