Staphylococcus epidermal is a gram-positive bacterium, one of 33 known species belonging to the genus Staphylococcus. It is part of the normal skin flora (commensal) of a person. The bacterium can also be found on mucous membranes and in animals. In addition, this is probably the most common species found in laboratory studies.
Although epidermal staphylococcus is generally not pathogenic, patients with a weakened immune system have a risk of developing an infection. This infection can be community-acquired, but it poses a great danger to clinic patients. These are very hardy microorganisms, which are motionless, gram-positive cocci located in the form of grape clusters. The microorganism forms white cohesive colonies approximately 1-2 millimeters in diameter after incubation overnight.
Staphylococcus epidermal causes infections associated with intravascular devices (prosthetic heart valves, shunts, etc.), but is also common in prosthetic joints, catheters. Catheter infections can lead to serious inflammation and secretion of pus. In these cases, urination is extremely painful. Septicemia and endocarditis are also diseases that may be associated with this type of staphylococcus. Their symptoms range from fever, headache and fatigue to anorexia and shortness of breath. Sepsis is especially common as a result of infection in newborns, especially those with very low birth weight. Infectious endocarditis develops as a result of damage to the heart valves or endocardium.
Since epidermal staphylococcus is part of the normal human microflora, it has developed resistance to many antibiotics, such as Methicillin, Novobiocin, Clindamycin, and Penicillin.
As a result, Vancomycin or Rifampicin are used to treat infection.
The risk of infection is associated with:
- lowered immunity due to cancer, chemotherapy, AIDS, serious illnesses (especially in the elderly), low birth weight (newborns);
- congenital heart disease or vascular disease;
- internal prostheses: artificial heart valves, artificial joints, shunts, etc .;
- vascular or urinary catheters, peritoneal dialysis;
- skin diseases, injuries, burns;
- pathologies of the gastrointestinal mucosa, as well as taking antibiotics that kill normal intestinal bacteria.
Note! Infection can also develop in the outer layers of the skin, usually in open wounds, where epidermal staphylococcus has got. On the face, types of infection are also possible, which are usually characterized by inflammation and purulent discharge. Talk with your doctor or healthcare provider if you suspect that it is staphylococcus. Acne or infected wounds, symptoms such as vomiting combined with fever, headache or fatigue - an immediate signal to seek medical help!