Staphylococcus Bacteria

The staphylococcus bacteria structure is round (cocci) and these creatures are found in clusters. They are classified as Gram-positive. The term Gram-positive means that application of Gram Stain results into their color turning to bright violet. The word coccus ('berry' in English), which describes their shape is Greek in origin. There are 32 species and 8 sub-species of this bacteria. Most of the staphylococcus species do not cause any harm to human beings. However, a few of them create problems that result from toxin production. Toxin production in most cases leads to food poisoning. Other problems caused by the staphylococcus include ulcerations, skin abscess, skin boils, etc.

Staphylococcus Bacteria Information

These bacteria are facultative anaerobes in nature. It means that their growth takes place in both aerobic and anaerobic environment. The classification of staphylococcus bacteria is carried out on the basis of whether they produce coagulase or not. Coagulase is an enzyme which causes the blood to clot. The coagulase-positive staphylococcus bacteria cause optical rectalitis. The commonly found coagulase-positive bacteria are S. areus and S. pseudintermedius. The coagulase negative staphylococcus bacteria are equally harmful and few of the important species are S. epidermidis, S. saprophyticus, S. lugdunensis, S. caprae and S. schleiferi. The S. epidermidis is known to cause infection in patients with suppressed immunity. The information about staph infection treatment and symptoms is provided in the paragraphs below.

Staphylococcus aureus

This bacteria is commonly found in the human body. Nose, armpits and buttocks are the body parts where these bacteria grow. Presence of bacteria in the body may or may not exhibit any kind of symptoms. If symptoms are not shown, the body is said to be colonized by bacteria. The S. aureus bacteria can result into problems like toxic shock syndrome and other complications, if it attacks the system in large quantities.

Different Infections Caused by Staphylococcus
Two types of infections caused by this bacteria are the invasive and skin infections. Invasive infections caused by these bacteria result into problems like endocartitis and blood poisoning. The skin infections caused by staphylococcus bacteria include impetigo and boils. A cut skin is vulnerable to infections resulting from staphylococcus. The staphylococcus infection in worst cases can result into problems like meningitis and septicemia.

Dissemination of Staphylococcus Bacteria
Skin-to-skin contact is one of the important modes of dissemination of staphylococcus bacteria. Sharing personal items can also cause the bacteria to spread. In few cases, dissemination of bacteria takes place through experimental exposure. The fact that staphylococcus spreads by means of physical contact, makes it difficult to prevent it from spreading.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Enzyme-based tests are used for identifying the bacteria. To carry out these enzyme based-tests, a culture is sent to laboratories. These days, the treatment of methicillin-resistant S. aureus is becoming difficult day-by-day. The penicillase-resistant penicillin is therefore used as an option in many countries, including the United States. The other treatments that are effective against staphylococcus include trimethoprim, clindamycin and linezolid. The linezolid is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is anti-Gram positive. To prevent the staph infections, one should wash their hands regularly, avoid sharing personal items and cover wounds with bandage. Staph infection after surgery can also be prevented with proper care.

The information about staphylococcus bacteria presented in the article deals with their structure, infections caused by them, how they get disseminated and also about diagnosis and treatment. This information should be useful to get a rough idea of these organisms.