What is staphylococcal dermatitis? | Staphylococci

What is staphylococcal dermatitis?

Staphylococcal dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by staphylococci. Staphylococci are not normally pathogenic; however, they can cause infections when they meet skin openings. If the staphylococci have entered this wound, they can spread further from here under the skin.The wound area then increases and the skin begins to throw weeping, slightly festering blisters. In this case treatment is carried out with the help of an antibiotic.

Abscess due to staphylococci

Abscesses are encapsulated accumulations of pus within the body, mostly caused by bacterial infections. This is also the case with staphylococci, whereby the Staphylococcus aureus is usually responsible for abscess formation. The bacterium causes the death of body cells through infection and the influx of cells of the immune system to fight the bacteria. From the dead bacteria and immune cells, pus is formed, which is then encapsulated so that a pus-filled bladder is formed, which must be opened to empty the pus. Usually these abscesses show on the skin, but they can also affect almost all internal organs.

What is the enterotoxin of staphylococci?

Enterotoxins are toxins produced by bacteria. Unlike bacteria, when they spread in the body, they also infect the whole body. Enterotoxins cause local discomfort.

Staphylococcus aureus is the only Staphylococcus species that can produce enterotoxins. The course of the disease is restricted to the gastrointestinal tract: Staphylococcus aureus is ingested with food and thus enters the stomach. Here, however, it does not cause an infection, but starts producing its enterotoxins. However, the toxins cause cell death in the gastrointestinal tract. In the worst case, bloody diarrhea occurs, but always watery diarrhea, accompanied by nausea and usually vomiting.

Can I be vaccinated against staphylococci?

No, a vaccination against staphylococci does not yet exist and will probably not be on the market in the future. However, research is being conducted on vaccines against multi-resistant staphylococcal strains. Otherwise, staphylococci are usually treated with antibiotics. Often a combination of antibiotics is used to prevent the development of resistance.