Is hemolytic Staphylococcus contagious?

Staphylococcus aureus is a common coccus among mothers and infants. It is called staphylococcus because its shape resembles a bunch of grapes. Hemolytic Staphylococcus generally does not cause human disease, but a small number of people may be infected and suffer from inflammation, and this inflammation is generally purulent, so it needs timely treatment. Many people believe that this bacteria is contagious. So, is hemolytic Staphylococcus aureus contagious?

1. Transmission routes of hemolytic Staphylococcus

Hemolytic Staphylococci are a group of Gram-positive cocci, named because they often cluster into grape-like clusters. Most are non-pathogenic bacteria, but a few can cause disease. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pyogenic coccus and an important source of hospital cross infection.

Newborns and breastfeeding mothers are prone to staphylococcal infections, and patients with influenza, chronic bronchopulmonary diseases (such as cystic fibrosis, emphysema), leukemia, tumors, organ transplants, prostheses or other foreign bodies, burns, chronic skin diseases, surgical incisions, diabetes, and indwelling plastic catheters in blood vessels are also susceptible to this bacterial infection. Patients receiving corticosteroids, radiation therapy, immunosuppressants, or anticancer chemotherapy are also at high risk of infection. Susceptible patients can acquire antibiotic-resistant staphylococci from other contaminated sites on their own body or from hospital staff. The most common way of transmission is through the hands of staff, but it can also be transmitted through the air.

2. Diseases caused by hemolytic Staphylococcus

Invasive disease mainly causes suppurative inflammation. Staphylococci can invade the body through a variety of pathways, causing a variety of skin or organ infections, and even sepsis.

Skin and soft tissue infections mainly include furuncle, sore, folliculitis, acne vulgaris, paronychia, sty, cellulitis, and suppuration of wounds.

Internal organ infections such as pneumonia, empyema, otitis media, meningitis, pericarditis, endocarditis, etc. are mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Systemic infections such as sepsis and septicemia are mostly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus epidermidis can also cause severe sepsis in newborns or when the body's defenses may be severely damaged.

3. Treatment of hemolytic Staphylococcus infection

Treatment should be judged according to the severity of the patient's condition. Different dosages and drug concentrations will naturally have different effects. Professional examinations should be conducted to identify the cause of the disease and provide targeted treatment.

Due to the widespread use of antibiotics, drug-resistant strains are increasing year by year. At present, the resistance rate of Staphylococcus aureus to penicillin has reached 90%, but it is still relatively sensitive to new penicillins, gentamicin and cefazolin. In vitro experiments have shown that Coptis chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, Forsythia suspensa, Folium Isatidis, Radix Isatidis, Taraxacum officinale, etc. have antibacterial or bactericidal effects on Staphylococcus aureus.

Under normal circumstances, staphylococci can live in the urethra in small amounts and generally do not cause disease. However, when the body's resistance is poor, the urethral mucosa is damaged, the defense barrier is destroyed, and antibiotics are used for a long time and in large doses, infection may occur and staphylococcal urethritis may occur.

Patients with staphylococcal urethritis are mainly males, with varying degrees of low back pain, urethral burning, tingling or tingling sensation, which worsens during urination. Some patients have urinary tract irritation symptoms such as dysuria, frequent urination, and urgency. Examination shows congestion, redness and swelling of the urethral opening, and a small amount of mucopurulent secretions. To prevent staphylococcal urethritis, first, we must actively exercise, strengthen our physical fitness and the body's defense function, and avoid excessive fatigue and alcoholism; second, we must keep ourselves clean; third, we must prevent long-term and unreasonable abuse of antibiotics. Once staphylococcal urethritis occurs, sensitive antibiotics should be used for treatment.