10 Staph Infection Symptoms

By dr. mera

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Staphylococcus is a group of bacteria that receive their name due to the spherical and grape-like arrangement when observed under a microscope. The most common species to colonize humans are S. Aureus, S. Epidermidis, and S. Saprophyticus. Among the three, S. Aureus is the most common cause of disease in humans and it is known to cause many conditions like skin infections, gastroenteritis, pneumonia, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, and many more.

Staphylococcus can be found in our skin and nose without causing any harm to the carrier. Healthcare workers and people with a compromised immune system such as diabetic patients are at a greater risk of colonization. Some species like the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) have acquired resistance to some antibiotics, becoming a public health issue. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and to prevent further complications.

1. Fever

A fever is an increase in body temperature. Usually, the temperature should be above 38⁰C (100.4⁰F) in order to be considered as a fever, but this depends on the site where the temperature is being measured. A fever is usually a response of the body to a threat. By increasing the body’s thermostat set point, we start to shiver to generate heat in order to reach the new temperature that has been set.

A fever is a common finding among many infectious conditions and a staph infection is not an exception. S. Aureus is known to cause many conditions like skin infections and pneumonia, that may cause a fever to appear.