Staphylococcus aureus
Nekita S. Barber
Fundamentals of Microbiology
Kaplan University

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that colonizes inside the nose or on the surface of the skin. The bacterium is not a health concern in a healthy person. S. aureus in the most common cause of staph infections. S. aureus is a spherical-shaped bacterium. S.aureus is a gram positive bacterium. It typically grows and divides to form microscopic grape like clusters. (Laberge, 2011)
MRSA is a popular strain of Staphylococci. MRSA belongs to category of multidrug resistant organisms. These organisms are disease causing bacteria that are resistant to antibiotic drugs. MRSA infections are caused by Methicillin resistant S. aureus. Methicillin is …show more content…
Each type of a different genetic makeup. MRSA infections of classified as either hospital acquired or community acquired. Hospital acquired MRSA is contracted in hospitals, healthcare facilities or nursing homes. Hospital acquired MRSA is usually resistant to antibiotics. Hospital patients usually have open wounds, which provides a point of entry for MRSA. Invasive medical procedures can carry and spread the bacteria and act as a carrier into the body. The bacteria can also survive on surfaces that patients come in contact with. Such as blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, bed rails and wheelchairs. (Zoumbaris, 2012)
Community acquired MRSA is contracted by people of have not been hospitalized or in healthcare facilities. Community acquired MRSA is resistant to fewer antibiotics. This bacteria is easier to treat than hospital acquired MRSA. Community acquired MRSA can produce a toxin called Panton-Valentine leukocidin. This toxin can be deadly if it enters the bloodstream. It can destroy soft tissue, bone and cause a severe type of pneumonia. Community acquired MRSA is spread so easily, anyone can contract it. People with higher risk are: Prison inmates, athletes, police officers, firefighters and healthcare workers and people living in a crowded environment. (Zoumbaris, …show more content…
Pets receive the same treatment as humans with antibiotics. If a pet has MRSA infection pet owner are told to use universal precautions to prevent the spread of the infection to other family members. (Laberge, 2011)
Prevention of MRSA would include to wash hands frequently. Using hand sanitizer can also be effective against MRSA if used correctly. Shower after participating in any physical activity such as sports and group exercising. In women change tampons frequently due to Toxic shock syndrome with is caused by Staph bacteria. Avoid sharing personal items with friends or family members. Staph can be spread by objects such as sheets, clothes, towels, razors and athletic gear. Also by keeping wound that are infected with MRSA covered at all times. (Sheen, 2010)
The rate of recurrence for MRSA infection is high. There is a 10 to 30 percent chance that a person infected with MRSA will have a recurrence. It is possible for the bacteria survive treatment even if a person has fully recovered. The bacteria can form a colony a a patients skin and inside the nostrils. MRSA can enter the body through tiny openings in the skin. Good skin care is important to prevent a recurrence. Picking or scratching wounds, sore or insect bites should be avoided. Another way of preventing recurrences of MRSA is to strengthen one's immune system. Eating a balanced diet and getting at least eight hours of sleep