Staphylococcus aureus, or S. aureus, is a gram-positive bacterium normally found in people’s skin and mucous membranes, especially in the mouth and nose, without causing damage to the body. However, when the immune system is weakened or injury, this bacteria can proliferate and reach the bloodstream, causing sepsis, which is a widespread infection that can lead to death.
This species of staph is also very common in hospitals, so it is important to avoid contact with critical patients in the hospital and keep your hands very clean to avoid contact with this bacteria, as Staphylococcus aureus in hospitals is usually resistant to several antibiotics. making treatment difficult.
- S.
- Aureus infection can range from a simpler infection.
- Such as folliculitis.
- For example.
- To endocarditis.
- Which is a more serious infection characterized by the presence of bacteria in the heart.
- Symptoms can range from redness of the skin to muscle pain and bleeding.
Symptoms of S. aureus infection depend on the form of infection, the location of the bacteria, and the patient’s condition, which may be:
Because it is found naturally in the body, especially in the mouth and nose, this bacteria can be transmitted by direct contact, droplets present in the air when coughing and sneezing, and by contaminated objects or food.
In addition, bacteria can reach the bloodstream through wounds or needles, which are the most common form of infection in people who inject drugs or people with diabetes who use insulin.
Depending on the intensity of the symptoms of the infection, it may be necessary for the person to be hospitalized and sometimes isolated until the infection is treated.
Staphylococcus aureus can cause mild and simple infections or more serious infections, the main ones being:
People with weakened immune systems due to oncology, autoimmune or infectious diseases, burns or injuries or who have undergone surgery are more likely to develop Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Therefore, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly and take proper precautions in a hospital setting to avoid infections with this bacteria, as well as eating foods that strengthen the immune system. Understand the importance of washing your hands to avoid disease.
Diagnosis is made from the isolation of the bacteria, which is made in a microbiology laboratory from a biological sample, which is requested by the doctor according to the symptoms of the person, which may be urine, blood, saliva or wound secretion.
Once the bacteria are isolated, the antibiotic is performed to check the sensitivity profile of the microorganism and which is the best antibiotic to treat the infection. Know what the antibiotic is and how to understand the outcome.
Treatment of S. aureus is usually defined by the doctor according to the type of infection and the symptoms of the patient. In addition, it is necessary to determine if there are other infections associated with them, evaluating by the doctor which infection poses the greatest risk to the patient and which should be treated more quickly.
Depending on the outcome of the antibiotic, your doctor may indicate which antibiotic will have the greatest effect against bacteria, and treatment is usually done with methicillin or oxacillin for 7 to 10 days.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA, is widespread mainly in hospitals, making it one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections.
Methicillin is an antibiotic developed to fight bacteria that produce beta-ctamases, which are enzymes produced by certain bacteria, including S. aureus, as a defense mechanism against a certain class of antibiotics. However, some strains of Staphylococcus aureus, particularly those found in hospitals, have developed memecillin resistance and do not respond to treatment with this antibiotic.
For example, to treat MRSA infections, glycoppeptides, such as vancomycin, theicoplanin, or linezolide, are generally used for 7 to 10 days or according to medical advice.