What Is A Staph Infection ?
Staph infections are usually caused by the S. Aureus (shortened for Staphylococcus Aureus ) bacteria. This bacteria is usually found in the nose or on the skin of a person. They are usually harmless and only cause relatively minor skin infections. However if the bacterium does enter the bloodstream it can spread into the urinary tract, lungs and heart of a person ultimately resulting in a very deadly situation. The illnesses caused by the S. Aureus bacteria can range from minor skin infections such as pimples, boils, and cellulitis to much more serious and life threatening illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, septicema, osteomyelitis, and endocarditis.
How Are Staph Infections Caused ?
S.Aureus bacteria can cause infections by either directly attacking or by releasing harmful toxins into the body. Staph infections can spread through the skin if it is weak and fragile, through food poisoning by improper storage of food products, by direct human to human contact and through the use of superabsorbent tampons which can result in toxic shock syndrome which is a very serious and dangerous infection. Read More About Staph Infections Causes
Types Of Staph Infections
The S.Aureus bacteria can cause various staph infections some of which can even be dangerous and life threatening if not treated in time. The infections caused can vary from minor skin conditions such as pimples, boils, furuncles, carbuncles and impetigo to much more serious and life threatening illnesses such as cellulitis, pneumonia, meningitis, osteomyelitis, endocarditis and toxic shock syndrome. S. Aureus is also known to cause mastitis (inflamation of the udder) in cows and bumblefoot(inflammation of the feet) infection in chickens. Read More About The Different Types Of Staph Infections
Staph Infection And Heart Disease
Staph infection of the heart is known as endocarditis. This condition affects the inner lining of the heart and can be very dangerous. People with an existing heart condition are generally prone to endocarditis. If this condition is not treated soon the bacteria can spread to the heart and lungs causing further damage which could eventually be fatal. Read more about endocarditis and heart disease here.
