infection by Staphylococcus.

(staphylococcus infection) Infections with bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus; includes staphylococcal pneumonia, staph skin infections, furunculosis, carbuncle, impetigo, Ritter disease, scalded skin syndrome, etc.

Staphylococcus (staph) is a group of bacteria. There are more than 30 types. A type called Staphylococcus aureus causes most infections. Staph bacteria can cause many different types of infections, including: Skin infections, which are the most common types of staph infections.; Bacteremia, an infection of the bloodstream. This can lead to sepsis, a very serious immune response to infection.; Bone infections.; Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.; Food poisoning.; Pneumonia.; Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a life-threatening condition caused by toxins from certain types of bacteria. Some people carry staph bacteria on their skin or in their noses, but they do not get an infection. But if they get a cut or wound, the bacteria can enter the body and cause an infection. Staph bacteria can spread from person to person. They can also spread on objects, such as towels, clothing, door handles, athletic equipment, and remotes. If you have staph and do not handle food properly when you are preparing it, you can also spread staph to others. Anyone can develop a staph infection, but certain people are more likely to get one, including those who: Have a chronic condition such as diabetes, cancer, vascular disease, eczema, and lung disease; Have a weakened immune system, such as from HIV, medicines to prevent organ rejection, or chemotherapy; Had surgery; Are in the hospital; Use a catheter, breathing tube, or feeding tube; Have an implanted device, such as a pacemaker or artificial joint or heart valve; Have burns, especially if they are deep or cover a large area of the body; Are on dialysis; Inject illegal drugs; Do contact sports, since you may have skin-to-skin contact with others or share equipment. The symptoms of a staph infection depend on the type of infection: Skin infections can look like pimples or boils. They may be red, swollen, and painful. Sometimes there is pus or other drainage. They can turn into impetigo, which turns into a crust on the skin, or cellulitis, a swollen, red area of skin that feels hot.; Bone infections can cause pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the infected area. You may also have chills and a fever.; Endocarditis causes some flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, and fatigue. It also causes symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup in your arms or legs.; Food poisoning typically causes nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. If you lose too many fluids, you may also become dehydrated.; Pneumonia symptoms include a high fever, chills, and cough that doesn't get better. You may also have chest pain and shortness of breath.; Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) causes high fever, sudden low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. You may have a sunburn-like rash somewhere on your body. TSS can lead to organ failure. Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Often, providers can tell if you have a staph skin infection by looking at it. To check for other types of staph infections, providers may do a...

Staphylococci are gram-positive aerobic organisms. Staphylococcus aureus is the most pathogenic; it typically causes skin infections and sometimes pneumonia, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. It commonly leads to abscess formation. Some strains elaborate toxins that cause gastroenteritis, scalded skin syndrome, and toxic shock syndrome....

Staphylococcal infections are usually caused by the organism Staphylococcus aureus. However, the incidence of infections due to Staphylococcus epidermidis and other coagulase-negative staphylococci has been steadily increasing in recent years.