BACTERIA

Bacteria

Bacteria

Introduction

Bacteria, an extensive group of unicellular organisms, are characterized by the absence of cell nucleus surrounded by a shell. However, the genetic material of bacteria (deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA) is in the cell with a definite place - the area called the Nucleoid. (Gladwin and Trattler 2004). Organisms with such a structure of cells are called prokaryotes (without nucleus), unlike all others - eukaryotes (true nuclear), whose DNA is surrounded by a shell core.

Bacteria were previously considered microscopic plants but now are identified in an independent kingdom called Kingdom Monera. (Farmer 2001).

Bacteria are much smaller than the cells of multi-cellular plants and animals. Their thickness is typically 0,5-2,0 mm, and length - 1,0-8,0 mm.

Bacteria Staphylococcus

Staphylococci are Gram-positive cocci typically arranged in clusters. Currently, there are 44 species. The species S. aureus (more commonly known as staph) is generally distinguished from other staph called Staphylococcus coagulase negative (SCN) by the presence of a coagulase. (Farmer 2001).

Staphylococcus is a type of bacteria that lives in many areas of the skin without causing any damage, especially around the nose, mouth, genitals and anus. But when the skin is punctured or in the case of a wound, staph bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection.

There are over 30 species in the staph family of bacteria and can cause different types of diseases, for example, a type of Staph can cause urinary tract infections. (Gladwin and Trattler 2004). But most staph infections are caused by the species known as Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus most commonly causes skin infections like folliculitis, boils, impetigo, and cellulitis that are limited to a small area of skin of the person. E. aureus can also release toxic substances that can lead to illnesses like food poisoning or toxic shock syndrome. (Farmer 2001).

Suppurative superficial and deep infections

Suppurative infections involves bacterial growth, invasion and destruction of host tissues, the local and systemic inflammatory response. S. aureus is primarily responsible for suppurative infections in the human body.

These infections are sometimes complicated by local and regional expansion of the infection, or hematogenous dissemination of the bacteria. Staph aureus may then be responsible for septicemia, endocarditis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, arthritis, meningitis or urinary tract infection. (Farmer 2001).

S. aureus causes disease by toxins or invasion and tissue destruction. The clinical manifestations are due to toxins, while other diseases are caused by the proliferation of the organism with abscess formation and tissue destruction. (Gladwin and ...