The staphylococcus bacterium unlike its ‘cousin’ the streptococcus bacterium forms in grapelike clusters. These bacteria are found in the skin and mucous membrane. Diseases caused by staphylococcus often affect the eyes, skin, and the urinary tract and can produce toxins which are responsible for septicemia and food poisoning.
The bacteria are colloquially referred to as ‘The Gold Staph’ with over thirty differing species being known all causing infections ranging in intensity from mild to life threatening.
Commonly the infections are caused by Staphylococcus Aureus which has the literal meaning of ‘golden cluster’. The most serious threat posed by the bacterium is when it enters the bloodstream when it can be fatal, and not unknown to cause a death rate of 25% in victims of a serious ‘staph’ attack.
Some more common diseases caused by the ‘staph’ bacterium are –
Toxic Shock Syndrome. This is a serious bacterial infection. It is potentially fatal , but more commonly shows as a sudden high fever, a feeling of faintness, diarrhea, and headaches.
Skin infections. The ‘staph’ bacterial infection can lead to skin boils, the contagious impetigo, cellulites, and staphylococcus skin syndrome.
Pneumonia.
Some people are more susceptible to infections from this bacterium than others. New born babies and people who suffer from skin disorders are vulnerable to mild infections, while people who have had surgery or continually inject illegal substances seem more prone to the serious effects of staphylococcus infection.
The presence of the staphylococci bacteria does not require any special kind of diagnosis in its mild forms; it is easily recognized by the common types of skin disease caused by its effect.
The more serious infections require special testing. Blood samples are taken and subjected to culture testing by laboratory clinicians. Depending upon the outcome and identification of the specific bacterium, the most effective antibiotic to kill off the bacteria will be recommended.
Care has to be taken over deciding on the type of antibiotic therapy prescribed. Like other types of bacteria staphylococcus is showing signs of increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics. Recommended antibiotics for the treatment of ‘staph’ infections are Vancomycin and Trimethroprim Sulfamethoxazole. These antibiotics have to be administered by introduction directly into the bloodstream.
The bacteria are colloquially referred to as ‘The Gold Staph’ with over thirty differing species being known all causing infections ranging in intensity from mild to life threatening.
Commonly the infections are caused by Staphylococcus Aureus which has the literal meaning of ‘golden cluster’. The most serious threat posed by the bacterium is when it enters the bloodstream when it can be fatal, and not unknown to cause a death rate of 25% in victims of a serious ‘staph’ attack.
Some more common diseases caused by the ‘staph’ bacterium are –
Toxic Shock Syndrome. This is a serious bacterial infection. It is potentially fatal , but more commonly shows as a sudden high fever, a feeling of faintness, diarrhea, and headaches.
Skin infections. The ‘staph’ bacterial infection can lead to skin boils, the contagious impetigo, cellulites, and staphylococcus skin syndrome.
Pneumonia.
Some people are more susceptible to infections from this bacterium than others. New born babies and people who suffer from skin disorders are vulnerable to mild infections, while people who have had surgery or continually inject illegal substances seem more prone to the serious effects of staphylococcus infection.
The presence of the staphylococci bacteria does not require any special kind of diagnosis in its mild forms; it is easily recognized by the common types of skin disease caused by its effect.
The more serious infections require special testing. Blood samples are taken and subjected to culture testing by laboratory clinicians. Depending upon the outcome and identification of the specific bacterium, the most effective antibiotic to kill off the bacteria will be recommended.
Care has to be taken over deciding on the type of antibiotic therapy prescribed. Like other types of bacteria staphylococcus is showing signs of increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics. Recommended antibiotics for the treatment of ‘staph’ infections are Vancomycin and Trimethroprim Sulfamethoxazole. These antibiotics have to be administered by introduction directly into the bloodstream.
No comments:
Post a Comment