Med Micro project

What is S. aureus?

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium that commonly lives on the skin and in the respiratory tract.

Why is it important?

It can cause a wide range of diseases

from mild skin infections to life-threatening conditions.

What diseases does it cause?

It causes skin infections like boils and abscesses

as well as pneumonia

Skin infections usually show redness

swelling

It can cause food poisoning with symptoms like nausea

vomiting

Severe infections may include fever

chills

The cause is the bacterium itself

which is part of normal flora but becomes harmful when it enters the body.

How does it infect people?

It enters through cuts

wounds

Because it only causes disease when given the opportunity

like a weakened immune system or broken skin.

What is MRSA?

MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to many antibiotics

making it harder to treat.

How do you summarize it?

Overall

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that can cause many diseases depending on where it infects the body