What is Staphylococcus Aureus?
Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacterium that about 30% of people carry in their nosesopen_in_new. Most of the time, staph does not cause any harm; however, sometimes staph causes infections. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a certain strand of this bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics.
In everyday life, S. aureus most often causes skin infections. In some cases, it causes pneumonia (lung infection) or endocarditis (infection of the heart valves). If left untreated, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause the severe condition known as sepsis.
Where is it Found?
What Does it Infect?
How Does it Spread?
Preventing the Spread of Staphylococcus Aureus
Staphylococcus aureus is usually spread by contact with infected people or things that are carrying the bacteria. This includes through contact with a contaminated wound or by sharing personal items, such as towels or razors, that have touched infected skin. Due to the fact that those who inject drugs are 16 times more likelyopen_in_new to develop a serious staph infection, the opioid epidemic may also be connected to the rise of these infections.
According to the CDC, you can take these steps to reduce your risk of a staph infection:
- Maintain good hand and body hygiene. Clean hands often, and clean your body regularly, especially after exercise.
- Keep cuts, scrapes, and wounds clean and covered until healed.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors.
- Get care early if you think you might have an infection.
Hospitals, medical facilities, spas, and fitness centers should thoroughly disinfect surfaces, tools, and equipment after each use. Read below how UV disinfection can help.
Get More Protection with UV Disinfection
Germicidal Ultraviolet (UV-C) disinfection can bolster existing disinfection procedures — inactivating S. aureus and MRSA on surfaces in many applications, including hospitals, medical clinics, and fitness facilities. Shop our products at AtlanticUltraviolet.comopen_in_new.
Learn about these applications:
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Our germicidal lamps produce ultraviolet wavelengths at 254 nanometers, the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness. Read our FAQ blog post to learn more. See dosage data below.
Staphylococcus Aureus & MRSA: Classification & Germicidal UV Dose for Inactivation
| Organism: | Alternate Name: | Type: | Disease: | UV Dose*: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staphylococcus aureus | S. aureus | Bacteria | Skin infections, pneumonia, endocarditis | 6.60 mJ/cm2 |
| Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus | MRSA | Bacteria | Skin infections, pneumonia, endocarditis | 6.50 mJ/cm2 |
* Nominal germicidal UV dosage necessary to inactivate better than 99% of microorganism. See sources below.
People at High Risk for Contracting a Staph Infection
Anyone can develop a staph infection. Non-intact skin, such as when there are abrasions or incisions, is often the site of an infection. In healthcare facilities, the risk of more serious staph infection is higher because many patients have weakened immune systems or have undergone procedures. The following groups of people are at a higher risk due to either their physical condition, or their exposure to crowding, skin-to-skin contact, and shared equipment or supplies:
- People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, vascular disease, eczema, and lung disease
- Individuals receiving inpatient medical care / having surgery or medical devices inserted in their body
- People who inject drugs
- Athletes participating in high-contact sports
- Daycare and school students
- Military personnel in barracks
Symptoms of a Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
According to the CDC, the symptoms of a Staphylococcus aureus infection depend on the part of the body that is infected. In most cases, laboratory tests will be needed in order to determine if an infection is due to S. aureus or another type of bacteria.
Most Staphylococcus aureus skin infections, including MRSA, appear as a bump or infected area on the skin that might be:
- red
- swollen
- painful
- warm to the touch
- full of pus or other drainage
- accompanied by a fever
Sources on Staphylococcus Aureus & MRSA:
The above information can be found on the following pages.
Dosage Source
Sensitivity of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses, and Other Microorganisms to Ultraviolet Radiation. Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Volume 126, Article No. 126021. August 20, 2021.
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