Staphylococcal infections
Staphylococcal Infections
Staphylococcal infections (pronunciation: staf-uh-loh-KOK-uhl in-fek-shuhns) are a group of infections caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus. The term is derived from the Greek words "staphyle" meaning "bunch of grapes", and "kokkos" meaning "granule or berry", referring to the characteristic cluster formation of the bacteria.
Types of Staphylococcal Infections
There are several types of staphylococcal infections, including:
- Skin Infections: These are the most common type of staph infections. They can range from minor boils and abscesses to severe cellulitis.
- Food Poisoning: Staphylococcus bacteria can produce toxins that cause food poisoning.
- Bacteremia: This is a serious infection that occurs when Staphylococcus bacteria enter the bloodstream.
- Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart that can occur when Staphylococcus bacteria enter the bloodstream and reach the heart.
- Pneumonia: This is a lung infection that can occur when Staphylococcus bacteria are inhaled into the lungs.
Symptoms
Symptoms of staphylococcal infections can vary widely, depending on the type and severity of the infection. They can range from mild skin irritation to severe systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, and low blood pressure.
Treatment
Treatment for staphylococcal infections typically involves antibiotics. However, some strains of Staphylococcus, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are resistant to many common antibiotics, making treatment more difficult.
Prevention
Prevention of staphylococcal infections involves good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, keeping wounds clean and covered, and not sharing personal items like towels or razors.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Staphylococcal infections
- Wikipedia's article - Staphylococcal infections
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