DENTAL HYGIENE 109
Staphylococcal Infections
Infection Control
Gerardo Viadas
10/11/2008
Staphylococcal infections are the culprits of many infections and illnesses that can range from
mild to severe. From toxic shock syndrome to pneumonia, staph infections can be fatal to
immune compromised individuals. As dental auxiliaries, one must follow proper disinfection
protocol in order to prevent cross contaminations and iatrogenic infections in the dental setting.
Gerardo Viadas 1081
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Staphylococcus is group of bacteria, familiarly known as Staph (pronounced "staff"),
that can cause a multitude of diseases as a result of infection of various tissues of the
body. Staph bacteria can cause illness not only directly by infection (such as in the
skin), but also indirectly by producing toxins responsible for food poisoning and toxic
shock syndrome. Staph-related illness can range from mild and requiring no treatment
to severe and potentially fatal. The name "Staphylococcus" comes from the Greek
staphyle meaning a bunch of grapes and kokkos meaning berry, and that is what Staph
looks like under the microscope, like a bunch of grapes or little round berries. (In
technical terms, these are gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, usually unencapsulated
cocci.)
Over 30 different types of Staphylococci can infect humans, but most infections are
caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococci can be found normally in the nose
and on the skin (and less commonly in other locations) of 20%-30% of healthy adults. In
the majority of cases, the bacteria do not cause disease. However, damage to the skin
or other injury may allow the bacteria to overcome the natural protective mechanisms of
the body, leading to infection.
Who is at risk for Staph infections?
Anyone can develop a Staph infection, although certain groups of people are at greater
risk, including newborn infants, breastfeeding women, and people with chronic
conditions such as diabetes, cancer, vascular disease, and lung disease.
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Injecting drug users, those with skin injuries or disorders, intravenous catheters, surgical
incisions, and those with a weakened immune system all have an increased risk of
developing Staph infections.
What are the symptoms and signs of a Staph infection?
Staphylococcal disease of the skin usually results in a localized collection of pus, known
as an abscess, boil, or furuncle. The affected area may be red, swollen, and painful.
Drainage or pus is common.
What types of diseases are caused by Staph?
Staph infections of the skin can progress to impetigo (a crusting of the skin) or cellulitis
(inflammation of the connective tissue under the skin, leading to swelling and redness of
the area). In rare cases, a serious complication known as scalded skin syndrome can
develop. In breastfeeding women, Staph can result in mastitis (inflammation of the
breast) or in abscess of the breast. Staphylococcal breast abscesses can release
bacteria into the mother's milk.
When the bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs, a number of
serious infections can occur. Staphylococcal pneumonia predominantly affects people
with underlying lung disease and can lead to abscess formation within the lungs.
Infection of the heart valves (endocarditis) can lead to heart failure.
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Gerardo Viadas 1081
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Spread of Staphylococci to the bones can result in severe inflammation of the bones
known as osteomyelitis. Staphylococcal sepsis (widespread infection of the
bloodstream) is a leading cause of shock and circulatory collapse, leading to death, in
people with severe burns over large areas of the body.
Staphylococcal food poisoning is an illness of the bowels that causes nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, and dehydration. It is caused by eating foods contaminated with toxins
produced by Staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms usually develop within one to six hours
after eating contaminated food. The illness usually lasts for one to three days and
resolves on its own. Patients with this illness are not contagious, since toxins are not
transmitted from one person to another.
Toxic shock syndrome is an illness caused by toxins secreted by Staph aureus bacteria
growing under conditions in which there is little or no oxygen. Toxic shock syndrome is
characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches,
followed by low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to shock and death.
There may be a rash resembling sunburn, with peeling of skin. Toxic shock syndrome
was originally described and still occurs especially in menstruating women using
tampons.
Staph aureus in the dental setting.
Staphylococcus aureus exists mostly everywhere however this bacteria is an
opportunistic one.
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If it finds the right host (someone with a low immune response) a staph infection can
occur. As a dental auxiliary one must suppress any kind of bacteria, viruses, and
allergens in the dental setting. Intermediate disinfectants are available to destroy
staphylococcal bacteria. These surface disinfectants can be used by using the spray
wipe spray technique. A technique widely used in the dental setting to disinfect
operatory chairs and its surroundings.
As a dental auxiliary one has several responsibilities such as maintaining good
immunological health, promote the well being of others, provide a sanitary work place,
and offer the best possible health care to the community. Being aware of various
infection will further one’s knowledge of offering quality health care to society.
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Gerardo Viadas 1081
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Research
Bibliography
Ianelli, Vincent, M.D. (2008, September 9). Staph Skin Infections and MSRA.
About.com. Retrieved October 11, 2008, from
http://pediatrics.about.com/od/childhoodinfections/a/staph_infections.htm
Web MD Medical Reference. (2007, July 02). Skin Problems &Treatments Health
Center. Retrieved October 11, 2008, from http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-andtreatments/understanding-mrsa-methicillin-resistant-staphylococcus-aureus
Minnesota Dept. of Health. (2007, October 26). Causes and Symptoms of
Staphylococcus aureus. Retrieved October 11, 2008, from
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs.idepc/diseases/staph/basics.html
Nemours Foundation, Kid Health. (2008, March 20). Staph Infections. Retrieved
October 11, 2008, from
http://kidshealth.org.parent/infections/bacterial_viral/staphylococcus.html
Healthy NJ, Information for Health Living. (2008, August 3). Staph Infections.
Retrieved October 11, 2008, from http://www.healthynj.org/dis-con/staph/main.htm
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