There are many different types of virus and bacteria that can have a negative effect on the human body; some are internal, while others are external. One such bacterium is Staphylococcus, which leads to infection in many human beings. The Staphylococcus bacteria is responsible for a number of different types of infections, they are described as being spheroid shaped, gram-stain positive sometimes seen in singular, in pairs, or very often in clusters; this is often contributed to being described as a bunch of grapes (Davis 1). Human beings are most susceptible to two specific strains, staphylococcus epidermidis and staphylococcus aureus. The former type is more common in people who have implanted devices, like prosthetics and catheters (Baorto and Steele 1). It is, however, Staphylococcus aureus that is responsible for most bacterial infections that people suffer from. Staphylococcus aureus, which is coagulase-positive, differs also in that it produces toxins and enzymes that can exacerbate certain diseases, like septic shock, food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. There is also a different strain of staphylococcus aureus that is referred to Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus, or MRSA, meaning antibiotic resistant, that can be very difficult to treat.
Given the commonality of the bacteria and the range of infections, from the most harmless to the most severe, it is necessary for experts to work to understand all of the aspects of this bacterium that can negatively impact people’s lives. That being said it is best to discuss those major elements individually.
Physiopathology:
The Physiopathology of this form of staff is through "tissue invasion." The bacteria are present on the hands, for example, and then spread those bacteria all over the body. If the person has broken skin from a scratch or eczema it gives the bacteria an entrance. The infection may appear like a pimple to much larger manifestations (Baorto and Steele 3). The presence of surface proteins can make it easier for the bacteria to attach itself to the needed host cells. This can lead to the host’s immune cells being less efficient and less able to consume and kill bacterial invaders. Coagulase excreted by the bacteria can be used to protect the bacteria from the host's immune cells. They may weep pus or have a crusty layer over the top. Staphylococcus aureus can cause problems with host's clotting factors, as well (Davis 3-4).
Signs & Symptoms:
The symptoms of staphylococcus aureus includes, infections on the skin, in hair follicles, that may result in a boil or carbuncle in the skin. There are instances where the infection spreads through bloodstream and can cause infection in many different sites in the body. This can result is itchy, red, swollen skin (Davis 3). If that bacterial load becomes too high or goes untreated it can lead to serious health issues, including abscesses, endocarditis, pneumonia, and osteomyelitis (Tong, Davis and et. al. 604). In the most severe cases staphylococcus aureus is not just responsible for infection and illness; it can be listed as a contributor to the patient’s death.
Diagnosis & Treatment:
Fortunately, it is fairly easy for physicians to diagnose the bacterial infections due to their telltale signs. Tissue of the infection must be scraped, as well as, blood samples must be taken. After microbiological review healthcare professionals are able to determine the type of staphylococcus that is present (Baorto and Steele 2). If it is Staphylococcus aureus then it will show the marker for positive coagulase and red blood cells in "blood agar plates." There are two standard treatments for the majority of staphylococcus aureus infections, antibiotic treatments and surgical interventions. For most people the antibiotic approach and wound care are sufficient. Some of the traditional antibiotic options include doxycycline, clindamycin and dicloxacillin. However, in some cases surgery may be needed to drain abscesses and to remove whatever may be contributing to the infection. In the case of MRSA, then other medications may be needed, including multiple antibiotic therapies and for skin infections it can be treated topically with Bacitracin (Davis 6).
Prevention & Prognosis:
Staphylococcus aureus is contagious and is generally passed from person to person. However, positive and proactive hygiene habits are great way to prevent catching or spreading the bacteria; the most effective being regular hand washing. However, in the average sufferer, if the staphylococcus aureus does flare into an infection, diagnosing it early, following the proper antibiotic regimen then the prognosis is very good. For people who are suffering with the MRSA stains of the bacteria the prognosis is not always as bright (Naber 231-232).
Unfortunately, MRSA is a far more serious and life threatening infection that is all too common in modern medicine. There are, nearly 20,000 of deaths per year due to MRSA infection; most often patients who are having other medical procedures may develop this infection. For example, a patient was having a highly sensitive surgery, like a liver transplant. Many paitents are already taken a number of medications intended to prevent them from rejecting an organ. This can leave such people at a higher risk of a MRSA infection that is harder to fight. For people with poor initial health there is a 20 percent chance of overcoming the infection. For people with better initial health they have a greater chance of a positive prognosis (Davis 8).
This particular bacterium has a great range of possible impact that it can have on people’s lives. It can be as innocuous as the common cold or be dangerous enough to take the lives of people’s loved ones, in the most extreme cases. Staphylococcus aureus is incredibly common and in most cases it is not a dangerous or lethal, however, for others, it can be. That being said finding better means to prevent infections, gain the earliest diagnosis possible and efficient and effective treatments is essential. Further dedicated research and study into this topic would be entirely worthwhile.
WORK CITED
Baorto, Elizabeth P. and Steele, Russel, W. “Staphylococcus Aureus Infection.” Medscape.
(2016): 1-6. Web. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/971358-overview#a6>.
Davis, Charles Patrick.“Staphylococcus Infection. (Staph Infection).” EMedicine Health. (2016):
1. Web. <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/staphylococcus/article_em.htm>.
Naber, Christopher K. “Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and
Management Strategies.” Clinical Infectious Diseases. 48.4 (2009): 231-237.
Tong, S.Y.C., Davis, J.S. and et. al. “Staphylococcus Aureus Infections: Epidemiology,
Pathophysiology, Clinical Manifestations and Management.” Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 28.3. (2015): 603-661.
