The associated disease with Staphylococcus aureus is simply called a staph infection. ​

Although there are several different strands of the pathogen that can cause more severe infections such as:​

The most common type of staph infection that is seen is an infection on the skin. ​

The signs and symptoms of these infections include boils (usually filled with pus), impetigo, folliculitis, and cellulitis.​

Another skin issue seen with staph is Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, which is more commonly seen in babies and children. ​

MRSA is very similar to a regular staph infection with the symptoms, but the treatment and acquisition of the disease are different.​

Those at risk for acquiring a MRSA infection are patients in the hospital setting, anyone with an invasive medical device, or residents of long-term care facility. ​

The treatment of MRSA is more difficult than a normal staph infection, which can lead to more complications throughout the process. ​

Staph infections can be acquired by anyone at any time because the bacteria naturally lives on our skin, but if that bacteria somehow gets into a cut or into a hair follicle then a staph infection can occur.​

In hospital setting, wear proper protective equipment or PPE​

Most staph infections are treated with antibiotics as well as drainage of the wound if necessary​

If you have an internal device, this device may be removed if the device is found to be the cause of the infection​

With MRSA, however, the organism may be resistant to certain antibiotics. ​

Penicillin is no longer a viable treatment for most staph infections now. ​

Many MRSA infections now must be treated with IV antibiotics, such as vancomycin and daptomycin.​

If a staph infection or MRSA infection is not treated the risks increase substantially for patients. ​

If left untreated the staph infection continues to grow and can enter the bloodstream and cause bacteremia, sepsis, or toxic shock syndrome. ​

These evolved issues, if left untreated, can result in death.​

Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen that can be found on the surface of skin in about 30% of people in the world today. ​

But if this pathogen gets past the barrier that is the skin, the complications that can arise may be very severe if left untreated. ​

Prevention of a serious disease is as simple as basic hygiene.​