Staphylococcus aureus, sometimes known simply as “staph”, is a bacterium that is a member of the normal flora of the body.Although S. aureus is not always pathogenic, it is a common cause of skin infections including abscesses, respiratory infection such as sinusitis, and food poisoning. despite much research and development, there is no approved vaccine for S. aureus.
Transmission:
S. aureus is most often spread to others by contaminated hands. The skin and mucous membranes are usually an effective barrier against infection. However, if these barriers are breached, ie. through a scratch or cut, S. aureus may gain access to underlying tissues or the bloodstream and cause infection. Anyone can develop a staph infection, although certain groups of people are at greater risk, including people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, vascular disease, eczema, and lung disease.
Symptoms:
Staph infections can range from minor skin problems to endocarditis, a life-threatening infection of the inner lining of your heart. As a result, signs and symptoms of staph infections vary widely, depending on the location and severity of the infection. These may include:
- Boils
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Sepsis
- Fever