Staphylococcus (Staph Infection)
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- Staphylococcus Overview
- What Diseases Are Caused by Staphylococcus?
- Staph Infection Symptoms and Signs
- Why Are Staph So Pathogenic (Able to Cause Diseases)?
- Staph Infection Diagnosis
- Staph Infection Treatment
- Staph Infection Prevention
- Staph Infection Prognosis
- Staph Infection Information
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Author and Editor
- Viewer Comments: Staph Infection - Length Symptoms Lasted
Staphylococcus Overview
Staphylococcus is a genus of bacteria that is characterized by being round (coccus or spheroid shaped), Gram-stain positive, and found as either single cells, in pairs, or more frequently, in clusters that resemble a bunch of grapes. The genus name Staphylococcus is derived from Greek terms (staphyle and kokkos) that mean "a bunch of grapes," which is how the bacteria often appear microscopically after Gram-staining. In 1884, Rosenbach first described and named the bacteria. Two major divisions of the genus Staphylococcus are separated by the bacteria's ability to produce coagulase, an enzyme that can clot blood. Most, but not all, human infections are caused by coagulase-positive S. aureus strains. S. epidermidis strains and other Staphylococcus spp that are coagulase-negative produce slime that interferes with immune defenses (phagocytosis). S. epidermidis are often associated with implanted devices (for example, catheters, prosthetic devices).
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Staph Infection
Skin Rashes in Children Introduction
A rash is a reaction of the skin. It can be caused by many things, such as a drug reaction, an infection, or an allergic reaction. Many different agents can cause similar rashes because the skin has a limited number of possible responses. Very often the associated symptoms in addition to the rash help make the diagnosis, such as a history of tick bites, exposure to other ill children or adults, recent antibiotic use, environmental exposures, or prior immunizations.
Most rashes caused by viruses do not harm your child and go away over time without any treatment. However, some childhood rashes have serious or even life-threatening causes. As a parent, you should be familiar with these rashes. Many rashes can look the same, making it difficult to know the exact diagnosis. Whenever you have a concern, see your doctor immediately.
Bacterial and Viral Rashes
Many childhood diseases...
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Staphylococcal Infections »
Staphylococcal infections are usually caused by the organism Staphylococcus aureus.
