Staphylococcus Aureus (S. aureus) is also known as the Golden Staph and is the most common cause of many staph infections. These infections often come from stays in the hospital and contact with health care officials, their instruments and other patients. S aureus can lead to several pyogenic infections that can become very serious or even life-threatening.
Endocarditis
S. aureus can lead to the infection of the inner lining of your heart, a condition known as endocarditis. This condition occurs when bacteria or germs spread from the body into the bloodstream and typically attach to previously damaged parts of the heart. This can lead to the damage or destruction of heart valves. These complications can be life-threatening if not treated properly with antibiotics or surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Septic Arthritis
Although occasionally caused by a fungal infection, the usual joint infection that leads to septic arthritis is brought on by S. aureus. Septic arthritis happens when bacteria infects the joint--most commonly the knee--and causes severe pain. The condition is most commonly found in young children and older patients, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment for septic arthritis usually involves antibiotics and the draining of infected fluids from the joint.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that spreads from another part of the body through the blood. The infection is commonly caused by S. aureus and usually affects the leg or upper arm bones, and sometimes the spine or pelvis.
This condition was once considered incurable but can now be treated with antibiotics and surgery. Recurring chronic osteomyelitis can be a very serious condition that could lead to bone death and collapse, and could possibly require amputation in some cases, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia contracted during hospital stays is common and is often caused by S. aureus. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that affects many people each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Symptoms of this infection include cough, fever, chills and shortness of breath.
Serious staph-induced pneumonias are commonly associated with patients on ventilators. In resistant strains such as MRSA--methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus--this kind of infection can be fatal if antibiotic treatment does not work. Usual treatment involves strong antibiotics, rest and NSAID medications (nonsteroidal Zntiinflammatory) .
Preventing Staph Infections
According to KidsHealth.org, the best way to avoid a staph infection is good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and take daily baths or showers. Keeping injured areas such as cuts, rashes or poison ivy blisters on the skin clean and covered is also important.
If another family member has staph, do not touch them or share towels or clothing or sleep on the same surfaces. Wash the infected person's clothing and linens in hot water to prevent the spread.
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