Staphylococcal infections

Abstract

Staphylococcus is one of the normal flora organisms, which becomes pathogenic in suitable conditions and induces a wide range of diseases. One of the most important difficulties encountered in the Staphylococcal infections is the resistance of the organism against antibiotics. This resistance causes treatment failure, prolongation of the course of infection and invasion of the organism to various organs. In the neonatal period infection by hospital acquired strains can induce septicemia. Bullous impetigo (Ritter disease) is caused by many strains of the organism. Staphylococcal pneumonia is often seen in the first year of life, has a rapid course and high mortality rate. Dangerous complications of Staphylococcal pneumonia are: Lung abscess, pneumothorax, pneumatocele and empyema. Rapid diagnosis and treatment has an important role in the course of disease. If treatment has been delayed and complications have occurred the physician must consider a combined medical and surgical approach. The most common cause of hematogenous osteomyelitis is S.aureus. The infection first begins in the metaphysis and in the first year of life it can spread to epiphysis by the vessels of conjugate cartilage. Clinical manifestations have a direct relation to the severity of disease, the site of infection and the patient's resistance. Diagnosis can be achieved in the first days by bone scan, if treatment is delayed for 48 hours the combined medico-surgical approach must be considered