staphylococcal infection

Staphylococcal infection

An infection caused by any of several pathogenic species of staphylococcus, commonly characterized by the formation of abscesses of the skin or other organs.

Mentioned in: Fracture Repair

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staphylococcal infection

Etymology: Gk, staphyle, bunch of grapes, kokkos, berry; L, inficere, to taint

an infection caused by any one of several pathogenic species of Staphylococcus, commonly characterized by the formation of abscesses of the skin or other organs. Staphylococcal infections of the skin include carbuncles, folliculitis, furuncles, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Bacteremia is common and may result in endocarditis, meningitis, or osteomyelitis. Staphylococcal pneumonia often follows influenza or other viral disease and may be associated with chronic or debilitating illness. Acute gastroenteritis may result from an enterotoxin produced by certain species of staphylococci in contaminated food. Treatment usually includes bed rest, analgesics, and an antimicrobial drug that is resistant to penicillinase, an enzyme secreted by many species of Staphylococcus. Surgical drainage, especially of deep abscesses, is often necessary.

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Patient discussion about staphylococcal infection.

Q. What is MRSA? I’ve heard on the news that some hospitals have a higher rate of MRSA infection. What is MRSA?

A. MRSA- Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus Aureus. this is a kind of bacteria that has show resistance to Methicillin, which is a vary strong antibiotic. unfortunately we use too much antibiotics today (much more then we should) and the bacterias react in developing resistance. the MRSA is resistant to almost all antibiotics and is hard to get rid of. and because of high usage of antibiotics in hospitals- it's more likely to survive ("other bacteria are dead- i have this place to myself! - paaarrrrrrttttttyyyyy!") and infect.