Staphylococcus aureus is a strain of bacteria that is prevalent in food, on your skin and all around you. It can make you violently sick for a day, and can have deadly consequences for those who are gravely ill, very young or very old. It is because of these bacteria that food handlers are frequently urged to wash their hands. Some foods, such as meats and poultry, are naturally high in Staphylococcus aureus, so handle these foods with care when preparing them to prevent contaminating other foods. If you suspect you have Staphylococcus aureus poisoning, contact your doctor for further instructions.
Staphylococcus Aureus Explained
Staphylococcus aureus is a common type of bacteria that lives on the skin and in the nose, throat and hair of healthy people, according to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. When this bacterium gets into food, it produces a toxin that can cause you to become sick. Even though heating food through cooking will kill these bacteria, it often does not affect the toxin. Staphylococcus aureus is a hardy bacterial strain that can live in salt and sugar where other bacteria would not flourish, and some strains can tolerate high temperatures that would kill other bacteria.
Sources
Any food can potentially harbor Staphylococcus aureus if certain criteria are met. For instance, eating food prepared by someone with a skin infection can lead to contaminated food, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Eating food kept at room temperature or food that was improperly handled in the cooking process can lead to an infection, as well. Some common foods associated with this bacterium are desserts containing custards and creams, tuna salad, chicken salad, potato salad, any type of poultry, foods containing mayonnaise, egg products and casseroles.
Symptoms
If you become infected with the Staphylococcus aureus toxin, you might exhibit symptoms that are mistaken for the stomach flu. Symptoms include nausea, 24 hours of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and distention, loss of appetite and fever. The only way to know for sure that you have Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning is through a stool culture. Treatment includes supportive measures such as keeping hydrated with proper fluids and electrolytes. Sports drinks are usually recommended to help prevent dehydration.
Prevention
According to Ohio State University Extension, you can take four steps to help prevent the spread of Staphylococcus aureus. Wash you hands thoroughly before and after handling food to prevent contaminating food with the bacteria. Avoid cross-contaminating food by washing hands, utensils and surfaces between the preparation of each type of food. Put leftovers, especially meat, in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Cook foods to their proper internal temperature in order to adequately kill off any bacteria that are present in the food. Keep hot foods over 140 degrees F and cold foods below 40 degrees F.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Staph Aureus Food Poisoning - All Information; David C. Dugdale, III, M.D.; October 2009
- The Ohio State University Extension; Staphylococcus aureus: A Most Common Cause; Nancy Stehulak
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; Staphylococcus Aureus; Ralph Meer and Scottie Misner; June 1998
