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What is staphylococcus?
Staphylococcus is a bacteria. This particular bacteria is very often the cause of skin, stomach and blood infections. It is commonly found on the skin, but is easily disinfect…ed with antiseptics or even soap and water--it is normally dealt with by the body's immune system pretty easily, and as such is very hard to catch directly from another infected person. However, Staphylococcus can enter the body through any opening (including cuts) and find it's way into the bloodstream. Ingesting it in quantity (through contaminated food, for example) is another means whereby it gains entrance. It is capable of multiplying very quickly. Even the smallest scratch can become infected and allow the bacteria to grow under the skin, where it will form pus filled sores (often boils) which can spread into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream or digestive system, the bacteria can be life threatening as it will spread and multiply rapidly. Staphylococcus infections are easily treated with common antibiotics. However, a form which was once found only in hospitals (MRSA), but is now widespread, is resistant to most known antibiotics and can only be treated with expensive narrow spectrum antibiotics. (MORE)