What is s. aureus?

S. aureus, or Staphylococcus aureus, is a type of bacterium that commonly exists on human skin and in the nasal passages. This bacterium can cause a range of infections, from minor skin infections like boils and impetigo, to more severe illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. S. aureus can also cause food poisoning if present in food and can cause wound infections if it enters the bloodstream through an open wound. Some strains of S. aureus are resistant to antibiotics, making treatment challenging, and they are referred to as MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus). To prevent S. aureus infections, frequent hand washing, and cleanliness are important, especially in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Vaccines are not currently available for S. aureus, so prevention and treatment primarily rely on effective antibiotic use and infection control measures.