Staphylococcus aureus

What is Staphylococcus aureus?

Staphylococcus aureus (pronounced STAFF-uh-la-KAH-kis OR-ee-us) is a widespread, potentially pathogenic type of bacteria that is a common cause of infections worldwide.

How many people are infected with S. aureus?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that hospital-acquired infections occur in about 2 million patients each year, with S. aureus being an important component of these infections.

How is S. aureus infection spread?

Infection with S. aureus can be spread through contact with infected wounds and boils. It can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact with a person carrying the bacteria on their skin but who does not have symptoms. Inadequate laundering or sharing towels or linens can spread the bacteria, especially within families. Clothing, sheets and towels of the infected person should be washed with detergent in hot water.

Lack of hand washing during food preparation can result in food poisoning, at least in part because S. aureus on hands can contaminate food. Standard precautions in the form of strict hand washing by caregivers and good personal hygiene in the person infected are the most effective means of control.

What are the symptoms of S. aureus infection?

Symptoms of S. aureus infection can range from pain, redness and swelling in an abscess; serious illness with fever; or, in a bloodstream infection, shock.

Why is S. aureus infection so serious?

S. aureus infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. It can cause food poisoning as well as cause conditions such as pneumonia, meningitis, skin conditions (such as acne, boils or cellulitis), arthritis, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, urinary tract infections and toxic shock syndrome.

How is S. aureus infection diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made by growing bacteria from a sample of pus or blood, then testing it to confirm that the pathogen is S. aureus.

How is S. aureus infection treated?

In most cases, S. aureus infection can be successfully treated with a range of antibiotics, although sometimes the bacteria are resistant to the most commonly used treatments. For example, more than 95 percent of patients with S. aureus infections worldwide do not respond to first-line antibiotics such as penicillin or ampicillin. Moreover, strains with reduced susceptibility to antibiotics such as methicillin and vancomycin have recently emerged, which means that current treatments may become ineffective for treating such strains. Conservative and appropriate use of antibiotics will be critical to the prevention of additional drug-resistant strains.

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