Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that can typically be found on the nose and skin. This bacteria is usually harmless and does not cause any infection unless it invades the blood stream. According to KidsHealth.org of the Nemours Foundation that provides medical information to parents, children and teenagers, the staph aureus bacteria spreads through the air, through surfaces infiltrated with the bacteria and between persons. Here are some Staphyloccocus aureus diseases.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is a disease associated with chronic tampon use. Specifically, the Mayo Clinic says that it is a medical condition that results from the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The group A streptococcus bacteria can also cause this medical problem. It is unclear how tampons cause this disease, but it's theorized that the tampon absorbency attracts excessive bacterial growth.
Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include a sudden rise in temperature, diarrhea, vomiting, low blood pressure (hypotension), confusion and muscle aches. Headaches, a seizure, a sunburn-like rash on the palms and soles of the feet and redness of the mouth, nose or eyes are other symptoms of toxic shock syndrome.
Treatment includes hospitalization with a course of antibiotics to destroy the Staphyloccucus aureus bacteria. Also, intravenous fluids can be given to stabilize blood pressure. Unfortunately, the bacteria may emit a toxin that can damage kidneys. Dialysis (artificial means to filter blood) may be necessary if the kidneys no longer function.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a disease in which the staphylococcus toxin creates havoc on the skin. According to the Merck Manual (a collection of medical resources for the health care professional), SSSS typically affects children younger than 6 years old.
Specific symptoms include painful red blisters that can transform into erosions, a condition in which the outer surface layer of the skin is gone. Also, Nikolsky's sign may be apparent. This is a condition in which slightly touching of the skin can make it actually rub off.
Treatment for SSSS involves intravenous (through the vein) antibiotic medications such as nafcillin or cloxacillin. Also, the skin should also be covered with gel dressings, especially if there are weeping lesions, says the Merck Manual.
MRSA
MRSA (methicillin-resistant staph aureus) refers to a bacterial infection that doesn't respond to certain antibiotics. According to MedlinePlus, symptoms of MRSA include a red swollen area on the skin (skin abscess), a fever, chills and a cough. MRSA also causes muscle aches, shortness of breath, a rash, headache, fever and fatigue.
Treatment for MRSA includes taking such antibiotics as clindamycin, daptopmycin, vancomycin or tetracycline. Also, intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy and kidney dialysis may be necessary to treat MRSA sufferers.
