Staphylococcus aureus infection: symptoms, causes, prevention

Definition of Staphylococcus aureus infection

Infection Staphylococcus aureus is an infection caused by bacteria Staphylococcus aureu. This bacterium is one type of the genus Staphylococcus, but that most often causes infection.

These bacteria are found on human skin or the nasal passages. Often times, these bacteria don't cause any harm. However, sometimes Staphylococcus aureus can cause infection if it gets into the bloodstream or tissues in the body.

S. aureus be the cause of various health conditions, even serious illnesses. These bacteria are usually spread from direct person-to-person contact.

Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus

Infection Staphylococcus aureus can vary from minor skin problems to endocarditis, a deadly infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium). Hence, the signs and symptoms of infection S. aureus varies widely, depending on the location and severity of infection.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, the following are symptoms of infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus:

Skin infection

Skin infections caused by bacteria S. aureus there are various kinds and give rise to various symptoms, namely:

Boils

The most common type of infection Staphylococcus aureus is a boil. Symptoms include:

• The skin on the affected area usually becomes red and swollen
• If the boil bursts, pus will come out
• Boils usually occur most commonly under the armpits or around the groin or buttocks.

Impetigo

This condition is characterized by a rash that is contagious and often painful. Impetigo usually has large blisters that can ooze and produce a crust that is honey-colored.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection of the inner layer of the skin. Cellulitis appears most commonly on the lower legs and soles of the feet. Symptoms can include:

• Redness and swelling of the skin surface
• There are sores (ulcers) or areas of pus

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome

The toxins are produced as a result of infection S. aureus can cause staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. This condition most commonly affects newborns and children.

Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Rash
• Blisters appear
• When the blister breaks, the top layer of skin peels off, leaving a red surface that looks like a burn.

Food poisoning

Bacteria Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main causes of food poisoning. Symptoms appear quickly, usually within hours of eating contaminated food.

Signs and symptoms of this type of infection Staphylococcus aureus this includes:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure
• Bacteremia

Bacteremia

Bacteremia or blood poisoning occurs when bacteria S. aureus enter a person's bloodstream. Fever and low blood pressure are the main signs of bacteremia.

Bacteria can move to deep locations on the body, causing infections that attack:

• Internal organs, such as the brain, heart or lungs
• Bones and muscles
• Implanted device, such as an artificial joint or pacemaker

Toxic shock syndrome

This life-threatening condition is caused by the poison produced by Staphylococcus aureus or some bacterial strain Staphylococcus other. This condition usually appears suddenly and is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• High fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash on the palms and feet that resembles sunburn
• Dazed
• Muscle ache
• Stomach ache
• Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis

This condition is often caused by an infection Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteria often attack the knees, but other joints can be affected, such as the ankles, waist, wrists, elbows, shoulders or spine.

Signs and symptoms can include:

• Swelling of the muscles
• Serious pain in the affected muscle
• Fever

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Areas of skin that are red, irritated or sore
• Pus-filled blisters
• Fever

You may also need to consult a doctor if:

• Skin infections are passed from one family member to another
• Two or more family members have skin infections at the same time

Causes and risk factors for Staphylococcus aureus infection

Many people carry bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and never had an infection. However, if you have an infection S. aureus, it is possible that the infection is caused by bacteria that you have been carrying for some time.

These bacteria can be transmitted from human to human. Bacteria S. aureus including strong germs because they can stay on inanimate objects such as pillowcases or towels for quite a long time. Therefore, these bacteria can also be transferred to people who touch these items.

Bacteria S. aureus can survive on:

• Drought
• Extreme temperatures
• High salt content

Risk factors

Quoted from the United States center for disease control and prevention, CDC, infection S. aureus can happen to anyone. However, there are several groups of people who are more susceptible to this condition, such as:

• People with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, vascular disease, eczema, and lung disease
• Drug users
• Have a weak immune system
• Never been through a surgical procedure
• People with artificial devices that are inserted or implanted in their bodies

Diagnosis of Staphylococcus aureus infection

To diagnose infection Staphylococcus aureus, the doctor will:

• Perform a physical examination. During the exam, your doctor will examine your skin for cuts.
• Take samples for testing. Often, doctors diagnose infections S. aureus by examining a tissue sample for signs of bacteria.

In addition to the two examinations above, your doctor may also order imaging tests. The examination is tailored to your condition.

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection

Treatment for infections Staphylococcus aureus very much depends on the type of infection and the presence or absence of resistance to certain antibiotics. Treatment for infections S. aureus may include:

Antibiotics

The doctor can do tests to identify the type of infection that is caused by S. aureus, as well as choosing the right antibiotic. The antibiotics usually recommended are:

• Cefazolin
• Nafcillin or oxacillin
• Vancomycin
• Daptomycin
• Telavancin
• Linezolid

Infection Staphylococcus aureus so-called MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is resistant or resistant to many types of antibiotics. Therefore, the doctor will adjust the administration of antibiotics to your condition.

Wound drainage

If you have a skin infection, your doctor may make an incision in the wound to drain the accumulated fluid.

Lifting device

If your infection is due to a device or prosthetic being placed in your body, it may be necessary to remove it. For some devices, this process requires surgery.

Prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infection

The following are lifestyle and habits that can help you reduce your risk of getting an infectionStaphylococcus aureus:

1. Wash your hands

Washing your hands clean is a resistance to germs. Wash your hands for at least 15-30 seconds, then dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet.

If your hands don't look dirty, you can use hand sanitizer alcohol-based.

2. Keep the wound clean

Keep the incision clean and covered with a sterile dry bandage until the wound has healed. The pus from an infected wound often contains bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, keeping the wound closed can prevent the spread of bacteria.

3. Be diligent in changing sanitary napkins

Toxic shock syndrome is a form of infection Staphylococcus aureus which develops as a result of not changing pads for a long time. You can reduce the odds toxic shock syndrome by changing tampons frequently, at least every 4-8 hours.

4. Do not share personal items with others

Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and sports equipment. As already mentioned infection Staphylococcus aureus can spread through objects, as well as from one person to another.

5. Wash clothes and sheets in an appropriate manner

Bacteria Staphylococcus aureus can survive improperly washed clothes and sheets. To remove bacteria from clothes and sheets, wash them in hot water whenever possible.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.