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Definition

Staph aureus food poisoning is an illness that results from eating food contaminated with a toxin produced by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning is often caused when a food handler contaminates food products that are served or stored at room- or refrigerator temperature. Common examples of such foods are desserts (especially custards and cream-filled or topped desserts), salads (especially those containing mayonnaise, such as tuna salad, potato salad, and macaroni salad), poultry and other egg products, and casseroles.

The bacteria produce a toxin in the food, which causes most of the symptoms. Risk factors include:

  • Eating food that was prepared by a person with a skin infection (these infections commonly contain Staphylococcus aureusbacteria)
  • Eating food kept at room temperature
  • Eating improperly prepared food
  • Eating the same food as someone who has symptoms

The disease is common in the U.S.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear within 1 - 6 hours after eating contaminated food. Usually, symptoms last only 2 days or less. They may include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting for up to 24 hours
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Severe abdominal cramps
  • Abdominal distention
  • Mild fever
Signs and tests

A stool culture(if performed) is positive for Staph aureus.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to replace fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) lost by vomiting or diarrhea. Antidiarrheal medications may be used, but are often not needed.

To avoid dehydration, you or your child should drink water and electrolyte solutions to replace fluids lost by vomiting. A variety of pleasant-tasting electrolyte solutions are available over-the-counter. Solutions to try for children:

  • Pedialyte and Infalyte
  • Popsicles or Jello

People with diarrhea who are unable to take fluids by mouth because of nausea or vomiting may need intravenous fluids. This is true especially for small children.

People taking diuretics ("water pills") may need to stop taking them during the acute episode. Ask your health care provider for instructions.

Expectations (prognosis)

Full recovery is expected. Recovery usually occurs in 24 to 48 hours.

Complications

Dehydration can develop.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if:

  • Diarrhea contains blood or mucus
  • Diarrhea develops within 1 week of travel outside of the United States, or after a camping trip (the diarrhea may be due to bacteria or parasites that need treatment)
  • You have diarrhea and also experience vomiting episodes, fever, or abdominal cramping
  • Diarrhea is severe, or lasts longer than 2 - 3 days
  • Diarrhea in a child keeps returning, or the child is losing weight
  • The child has signs of dehydration (call immediately)
Prevention

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after all food preparation. Thoroughly wash food preparation implements before using them on other foods. Refrigerate meats and leftovers promptly. Food can become contaminated by juices from poultry and other meats.

References

Pigott DC. Foodborne illness. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2008;26:475-497.

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Does acid stomach kill staphylococcus aureus?

Acid in the stomach can help kill some bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus; however, it is not a foolproof method of eliminating the bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus has developed mechanisms to survive in acidic environments and can still cause infections in the stomach if ingested. It is important to use proper cooking and food handling techniques to prevent staphylococcal food poisoning.


Does staphylococcus aureus have an infect on the human body?

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that is usually found on the skin at any given time. Staph is harmless unless it is colonized. Colonization occurs when the bacteria enters the body and begins to replicate itself. Once colonization occurs, staph seemingly takes on a life of its own and begins feeding on the body. Staph infections then take on the role as a parasite; needing to feed on its host to stay alive. If left untreated, staph can grow exponentially. Staph colonies usually stay together unless the nutrients in its host are depleted. The dangerous aspect of staph, is when it colonizes other parts of the body. In these cases, staph can attach itself to major organs causing havoc in the host's body, possibly leading to death of its host.


What bacteria produces enterotoxins?

Several bacteria produce enterotoxins, including Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Vibrio cholerae, and Escherichia coli. These enterotoxins can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, such as food poisoning and diarrhea, when ingested.


What are the symptoms of Staphylococcal enterotoxin b?

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a poison affecting the intestines and produced by the bactrium Staphylococcus aureus (Staph A). Infection can come from food or water intake or inhaling an aerosol.Symptoms may include:severe diarrheanausea and/or vomitingintestinal cramping & muscle achesfever/chillsheadacheincubation time: ingestion = 4-10hrs; inhalation = 3-12hrs


What illness can cause the pathogenic bacteria?

No, antibiotics are produced to fight against pathogenic bacteria, Vaccines use dead bacteria to stimulate the immune system to fight against and/or to prevent many diseases. Antibiotics are developed using synthetic basis, or from fungus, like penicilin for example.

Related Questions

How does staph infections spread?

Staphylococcal can be produced in improperly stored food and therefore cause food poisoning. Staphylococcus aureus can survive on dry surfaces making transmission chances higher. During the 1980s tampons allowed the rapid growth of S. aureus which released toxins that were absorbed into the bloodsteam.


What commonly infects wounds causes toxic shock syndrome and produces food poisoing?

Staphylococcus aureus (also known as staph aureus)


Can staph infection make you sick at your stomach?

Yes, a staph infection can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly if it involves food poisoning from contaminated food. Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins that lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. However, not all staph infections result in gastrointestinal illness; many primarily affect the skin or other areas of the body. If you suspect a staph infection, it's important to seek medical advice.


Is food contaminated with staphylococcus safe to ear after reheating?

No. Staph aureus forms a toxin that is not destroyed by heating.


Which food poisoning is associated with uncovered skin infections?

Saraa Abdulrahmans mouth


Staphylococcus?

Gram + cocci, facultative anaerobes, catalase 2) Most Staph reside harmlessly as normal flora of skin. 3) Staphylococcus epidermidis 4) Staphylococcus aureus - skin / wound infections, food poisoning 5) Staphylococcus saprophyticus - UTI


Which type of bacteria often infects wounds and causes toxic shock syndrome and food poisoning?

Staphylococcus aureus


How quickly can a child get sick from food poisoning?

The onset of symptoms from food poisoning depending on the cause of the food poisoning. Rotavirus and salmonella may show symptoms beginning in one day, but staphylococcus aureus can have symptoms in as little as 1 hour.


What is a staph bacterium?

A Staph infection is a symptom normally associated with surgery. It is a medical complication that comes from several different problems. Staph is not a virus; it is the common name for the bacterium officially known as Staphylococcus aureus. It is a very common bacterium that lives on skin normally and only becomes a problem if it enters the skin. It (as well as strep) is very common in wound infections; Staph is also found in boils, some food poisoning, some types of pneumonia, toxic shock syndrome, mastitis, endocarditis, infection of the hair follicles (folliculitis) to name a few. Hope this helps! Dr. B.


Does acid stomach kill staphylococcus aureus?

Acid in the stomach can help kill some bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus; however, it is not a foolproof method of eliminating the bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus has developed mechanisms to survive in acidic environments and can still cause infections in the stomach if ingested. It is important to use proper cooking and food handling techniques to prevent staphylococcal food poisoning.


What causes staphylococcal food poisoning?

Staphylococcal food poisoning is caused by consuming food contaminated with toxins produced by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These bacteria can thrive in improperly stored or handled foods, such as dairy products, meats, and salads. When ingested, the toxins can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, often within a few hours. Proper food handling and storage practices can help prevent this type of food poisoning.


Can eggs sausage or bacon cause food poisoning?

No. Food poisoning can result only from contamination of foods by a pathogen. Eggs, sausage, and bacon can be common vectors for these pathogens if not treated or stored correctly.Common bacteria responsible for food contamination are:SalmonellaEscherichia coli - "E. coli"Clostridium BotulinumClostridium perfringensCampylobacter JejuniShigella and ShigellosisListeria MonocytogenesStaphylococcus Aureus