Infections caused by penicillinase-producing staphylococci
Infections Caused by Penicillinase-Producing Staphylococci
Staphylococcus aureus, or “Staph”, is a Gram-positive, spherical bacterium mainly found in the nose, throat, gut, and respiratory tract. Some strains of Staphylococcus aureus have developed the ability to produce certain enzymes that inactivate many antibiotics, including penicillinase. These enzymes are called penicillinase-producing staphylococci (PPS). PPS are resistant to many penicillins and have the potential to cause serious infections or even death in some cases.
People usually become infected with PPS through contact with an infected wound or other body site of an individual infected with the bacteria. People can also become infected by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. In general, these infections are more difficult to treat than other Staphylococcal infections because many antibiotics are not effective against PPS.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of infections caused by PPS depend on the specific bacteria involved and the severity of the infection. Symptoms can include:
- Redness or swelling of the skin around the affected area
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Lethargy
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have any of the signs and symptoms listed above, contact your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis is usually based on the presence of certain physical signs, a culture of tissues from the affected area, or blood tests. Treatment may include antibiotics, pain medication, and supportive care.
It is important to note that PPS infections are more difficult to treat than other types of Staphylococcal infections. Therefore, it is important to take the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to ensure that the infection is completely eliminated.