Staph Infection is caused by a group of bacteria called Staphylococcus. These bacteria can infect various tissues of the body causing various diseases which could be mild or fatal. Human beings can be infected by 30 different types of staphylococcus and most of the infections are caused by Staphylococcus Aureus.

Staphylococci are most commonly found on the skin and in the nose. But in most cases the bacteria is dormant without causing any disease. The bacteria are usually transmitted through skin contact, sharing of clothes, implanted devices, surgical lines etc. However good hygiene and use of protective garments like while treating or serving patients infected with these bacteria can help prevent the infection to a large extent.

The Staphylococcus infection is usually diagnosed with bacterial culture test.

Symptoms of the  Staphylococcus infection are :

• The skin is most commonly infected by the bacteria. The common symptoms are swelling, redness, pain and rash on the affected area of the skin. A localized collection of pus or drainage of pus is commonly seen resulting in boil or abscess. In a more complicated case the infection may result in scalded skin syndrome.
• When the bacteria spread to the bloodstream it is called sepsis or bacteremia. The bacteria can cause an abscess in the lungs in people with a lung disease. Osteomyelitis or a severe inflammation in the bones is caused when the bacteria affects the bones. When the infection is widespread in the bloodstream it usually causes severe burns in most parts of the body resulting in circulatory collapse.
• Staphylococcul bacteria are usually found in poorly stored food. And the resulting toxins from the bacteria are the major cause of food poisoning. The symptoms usually are diarrhea, dehydration, nausea and vomiting.
• Toxic shock syndrome is caused by the toxins of the bacteria when it grows in little or no oxygen. The general symptoms of this disease are diarrhea, fever, muscles aches, low blood pressure, skin rash and vomiting.

Staph infections can be treated effectively with appropriate antibiotic ointments, oral antibiotics and intravenous antibiotics. However in severe cases the treatment could be complicated and difficult.