According to Melissa Conrad Stoppler, M.D., author and writer of the article, “Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus),” posted at MedicineNet.com, staphylococcus is a an infection that consists of a collection of microorganisms (bacteria) that resemble the look of a cluster of grapes when viewed under a microscope and can cause numerous diseases.
Staphylococcus is frequently referred to as staph or a staph infection. This type of bacterial infection can cause illnesses that vary in intensity. Sometimes a staph infection can result in mild illness; however, sometimes the infection can cause illnesses that result in a more severe and fatal outcome.
Symptoms of Staphylococcus
Symptoms of a staph infection include a reddish-colored, painful and swollen area on your skin containing a pus excretion, usually identified as a boil, abscess or pimple-like eruption on your skin.
If the staph infection has entered your bloodstream, you may, also experience chills, low blood pressure and a high fever.
Who Can Get a Staph Infection
Newborn babies, people who are diabetic and have continual illnesses such as cancer, lung diseases and heart disease are more susceptible to contracting a staph infection. However, anybody can contract a staph infection. Those who have skin disorders or wounds, for example or those who inject drugs are at risk of contracting a staph infection, in addition to people who have intravenous catheters, a weak immune system or incisions from surgical procedures.
What Diseases Can Result From Staphylococcus Bacteria
The most common problem that results from staph infections is skin infections. Minor skin infections can further develop into conditions such as cellulitis which is a swelling of the connective tissue. Impetigo can also develop; it is a development of crusting on the skin.
If a staph infection enters your bloodstream, the infection can progress into more serious conditions such as an infection of the heart valves, known as endocarditis. Endocarditis could result in a fatal heart failure. Staphylococcal pneumonia and osteomyelitis are some other more serious conditions that could result from the bacteria entering into the bloodstream.
Staph infections are transmittable and can spread to others via pus-infected sores and wounds. If you have been diagnosed with a staph infection, it is important to exercise proper hygiene and to wash your hands appropriately when treating staph infected wounds.
Treatments for a Staph Infection
For minor skin infections, a non-prescription antibiotic cream or ointment may be suggested by your doctor to treat the staph infection. Depending on your situation, however, your doctor may also prescribe an oral antibiotic.
If you have a pus-filled abscess, the abscess is usually surgically drained. For more serious staph infections that could lead to a fatal outcome, your doctor may prescribe intravenous antibiotics. However, antibiotic treatment is determined and prescribed according to receptiveness of the staphylococcal strain.
What Is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus, commonly, known as MRSA is a type of “super bug” that is a more severe kind of staph infection and is resistant to antibiotics such as amoxicillin, methicillin, penicillin and oxacillin. The transmission of MRSA is largely from people with active MRSA skin infections.
According to the article, “The Facts About MRSA,” posted on October 13, 2010 at Everyday Health, if your MRSA infection or abscess has remained in one location, your doctor may drain the abscess but prescribe no further treatments. However, if it has spread within your body or on your skin, treatment may become more difficult and you will have to take antibiotics. Successful antibiotics to treat MRSA are few; however, there are still several drugs, such as vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, doxycycline and clindamycin that are available to successfully treat more severe bacterial Staph infections like MRSA.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Claudette Pendleton - Claudette Pendleton is a freelance writer and real estate agent. She is, also, a self-taught credit restoration consultant. Since nine ...
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