Staphylococcus Aureus Research Paper

Multi Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strand of Staphylococcus aureus that has become resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus is an infectious disease that is mostly harmless. However, upon entering the body, it can cause various types of infections in almost any part or organ system within the body. These infections include skin infections, invasive infections, and in rare cases it may cause illness.

The Pathogen:

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive coccal bacterium that is known to not always be pathogenic. It is a member of the Firmicutes phylum, the Eubacteria kingdom, and the Bacteria domain. (Wikipedia, 2015) The bacterium can be described as looking like a bunch of grapes or small berries,

Sepsis is the leading cause of shock and circulatory collapse, which can ultimately lead to death. (Conrad, 2015) Symptoms for sepsis include a temperature, a rapid heartbeat, fast breathing, dizziness, confusion or disorientation, and a reduced urine flow. (Healthdirect.gov.au, 2015) The spread of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to the heart can lead to an infection of the heart valves, known as endocarditis, which results in heart failure. (Conrad, 2015) Endocarditis will cause muscle aches and pains, a temperature accompanied by chills and night sweats, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, coughing, a headache, low blood pressure, dizziness when standing, and weakness and extreme tiredness. (Healthdirect.gov.au, 2015) If the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria enter the lungs, then pneumonia can occur. (Conrad, 2015) The symptoms of pneumonia include difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, a temperature, and generally feeling unwell. (Healthdirect.gov.au, 2015) If the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria spread to the bones, osteomyelitis can occur, which will result in the severe inflammation of the bones. (Conrad, 2015) The symptoms for osteomyelitis include a temperature, severe bone pain, restricted movement of a joint, and red, warm, tender skin at the site of the pain. (Healthdirect.gov.au, 2015) If the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria infect a joint space, then Septic arthritis will occur. (Conrad, 2015) Septic arthritis will cause pain and swelling in the joints, red and tender skin, a temperature, chills, and the loss of movement in the joints. (Healthdirect.gov.au,