Some Facts about Staph Infection

Types of Staph Infections

Before looking into the different symptoms and signs of staph infections, it is important to know the types of staph infections. This is because the symptoms a person will experience depend greatly on the type of staph infection. The commonest types of staph infection include;

Skin infections [3]: this is the commonest type of infection caused by staphylococci. This infection usually manifests in different ways like; boils, mastitis, cellulitis, impetigo, hypersensitivity reactions on the skin, and so on. It is treated using antibiotics.
Infective/bacterial endocarditis [4]: this is the inflammation of the endocardium (inner lining of the heart) as a result of infection by staphylococcus aureus. It commonly occurs in people with damaged heart valves. This condition usually produces severe symptoms that may develop over time or may appear suddenly. The bacteria that cause this condition may gain entrance into the bloodstream through cuts on the skin, eating contaminated food, wounds on the gum, contaminated needles and catheters, etc. It migrates through the bloodstream to the heart valves, where it multiplies and causes inflammation.

People who inject drugs using contaminated needles are at risk of bacterial endocarditis as well as those with damaged heart valves, heart defects and artificial heart valve replacements.
Staph pneumonia [5]: this is an infection of the lungs caused by staphylococcus. It may be mild or severe. Pneumonia causes the lungs to become inflamed and results in the accumulation of fluid, pus and cellular debris in the air sacs. It always results in chest pain and respiratory distress which may be mild or severe. Smoking, environmental pollution, chronic lung diseases and weakened immune system increases the risk of staph pneumonia.
Staph Osteomyelitis [6]: this refers to the infection of the bone caused by staphylococcus. A bone infection can lead to the permanent damage of the affected bone. Staphylococcus aureus is the commonest cause of bone infections. Bone infections caused by staph can be treated using antibiotics.
Blood infection (bacteremia): staphylococcus organisms can invade the bloodstream and cause symptoms of sepsis. Blood infection can lead to shock and death.

Rowena T. January 22, 2021

You Might Also Enjoy

Possible Signs And Symptoms of Cellulitis

Overview Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin. The causal bacteria, usually streptococcus or staphylococcus, typically enters the body through broken skin. It may also enter through swollen or dry, flaky skin. It is not transmitted by person-to-person contact. Animal bites may also cause cellulitis. ...

8 Common Symptoms of Yeast Infection

A yeast infection typically occurs in the vagina, and they are very uncomfortable. Women with vaginal yeast infections may experience a familiar itchy feeling and irritation. A discharge from the vaginal also characterizes the medical condition. Yeast infections are quite common. Seventy-five percent [1] of women may have experienced a ...

What Are The Four Stages of COPD?

Overview Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production, and wheezing. It’s typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke. People with COPD are ...

What Are The Treatments for COPD?

What Is COPD? COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is a general term that refers to a group of progressive lung diseases. Among the conditions referred to as COPD, the most common are chronic Bronchitis [1] and emphysema [2]. If one is diagnosed with COPD, it is usually ...

Types And Symptoms of Staph Infections

Staphylococcal infections are caused by a group of bacteria known as staphylococcus. [1] They are the commonest kind of infections seen in man. Staphylococcal bacteria are gram-positive, sphere-shaped bacteria. There are about 30 types of staphylococcal bacteria known to cause staph infections in man, but the commonest type is the ...

Common Causes and Risk Factors of Oral Thrush

What Is Oral Thrush? Another name for oral thrush is oral candidiasis or thrush. When yeast infection develops in the mouth, it is usually in the form of a white rash either on your tongue or inner cheeks. The name of the yeast infection that causes oral thrush is candida ...

Yeast Infection Treatments

Yeast infection, also called candidiasis, usually refers to vaginal yeast infection. This type of infection affects the vagina and vulva, where it causes uncomfortable symptoms, such as severe itching, irritation, and discharge. Yeast infection is quite common. Around three out of four women will get this infection at some point ...

HIV Signs and Symptoms

What Is HIV? HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system in humans, specifically targeting the CD4 cells and destroying them. First isolated in 1983, it has continued to command medical attention for decades. Even though scientists have made tremendous progress in developing treatments for HIV, it is still ...

Archives

Categories

Meta