CHENNAI: Staphylococcus bacteria also called as “staph,” is found to be a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, such as pneumonia, bacteraemia, heart valve, and bone and skin infections, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Commonly carried on the skin, staph frequently causes skin infections such as boils. However, staph can be life threatening causing infections in the blood, in the bones and in the lungs (pneumonia), say medicos. “Children usually get skin infections along with redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness of the skin, especially in case of a wound. Impetigo is very common in children causing blisters. As the infection is contagious, children should avoid contact with the infected person. Staph infection can also cause fever and scarring of the skin,” said Dr N Shanmugam, a pediatrician.
Staph bacteria are also one of the common causes of food poisoning, which occurs when it enters the blood of an individual. Doctors also say that people, who have had recent hospitalization and have low-immunity, are more likely to get the infection. An individual suffering from diabetes, respiratory illnesses are also more likely to be affected. “Though treatable skin infections might seem to be a major problem due to staph bacteria, it can produce infections that can affect brain, heart and lungs. This condition occurs when the bacteria reaches the deeper layers of skin through wounds, during surgical procedures and tampons. Nausea, muscle aches, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort can develop due to the infection,” said Dr V Ranjith, internal medicine specialist.
