Staphylococcus aureus infections

Staphylococcus; staphylococci; staph; aureus; S. aureus; golden; toxic; shock; MRSA; methicillin; resistant; food; poisoning; toxin; SSSS; syndrome; bacteria; carrier; boils; tampon;

 

Staphylococci are bacteria (germs) that live on the skin and in the nose of many people without causing infections or illness. The most common type of Staphylococcus to cause infections is Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). It is called 'aureus', from the Latin word for gold, because the bacteria look a golden colour when grown in a laboratory.

S. aureus can cause health problems in two different ways.

• The bacteria can enter the body and cause infections, such as pimples, boils, abscesses, impetigo (school sores) and wound infections.
• The bacteria can also make a toxin (poison) which can cause illnesses such as food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome.

For more information

SA Health (South Australia)
http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/   

• 'Staphylococcus aureus including Methicillin resistant staphylococcus (MRSA)'  
  http://www.health.sa.gov.au/pehs/ygw/staph-pehs-sahealth-2009.pdf 
• 'Preventing food poisoning at home'
  http://www.health.sa.gov.au/pehs/ygw/preventfoodpoisoning-pehs-sahealth-2009.pdf 
• 'Toxic shock syndrome'  
  http://www.health.sa.gov.au/pehs/ygw/toxicshock-pehs-sahealth-2009.pdf 

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).

This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your child's sex.