Wanted Pathogen Poster

Methods of Identification

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria. It is a gram-positive bacteria with a spherical shape. The genus of the bacteria explains its shape and how it forms in clusters. Its optimal temperature is 40 degrees Celsius and its optimal pH is 6.5. It can reproduce in the presence and absence of oxygen.

Organism’s M.O.

Staphylococcus aureus spreads to other humans through direct or indirect contact with a person who has an infection in the respiratory or urinary tract, or is infected by this bacteria. It is highly contagious and is very easy for a child of young age to get the bacteria in a small cut or bite. The infection caused by the bacteria is superficial and only causes blisters that erupts after a few days. The bacteria attacks by attaching to a host cell or tissue and making proteins that damage the cell wall of the cell.

Victims

It is very common among infants and young children especially those who experienced eczema, poison ivy, insect bits, cuts, and scrapes.

Hide Out of the Culprit

It is mostly found on the face, neck, hands, and diaper area. It affects the skin by causing blisters to appear around these areas.

Injury

The bacteria causes superficial blisters or red sores on the facial area, hands, and diaper area, although it can easily spread to other parts of the body through clothing and blankets. These red sores rupture and ooze for a few days before forming a honey yellow crust.

Is it Considered Armed and Dangerous?

Although it is highly contagious, it is not deadly. It is very common for exposed young children with small cuts or bites where the bacteria can infect the wound. No specific gender is more affected or more common to get the disease. It is gram-positive and is therefore easily treated with an antibiotic. If the infection gets worse, it may develop into Ecthyma, a deeper form of the disease. Still, it is not lethal but only causes irritation and itchiness. The only damages are permanent scares and pigment changes.

Defense

The treatment for the disease is quite simple; Confinement for a number of days and application of an antibiotic ointment or cream will cure the disease. If the disease is more developed, there is an oral antibiotic that can be prescribed.

Any other identifying characteristics

It has been described as grape-like.

<Works Cited>

"Impetigo Causes, Contagious, Transmission, Complications." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2013. <http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/understanding-impetigo-basics>.

"KidsHealth." Impetigo. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2013. <http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/impetigo.html>.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Definition." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 May 2013. Web. 05 Dec. 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/impetigo/DS00464>.

"Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) Symptoms, Causes, Photos, Treatment - MedicineNet." MedicineNet. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013. <http://www.medicinenet.com/staph_infection/article.htm>.

"Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - What Are the Symptoms and Signs of a Staph Infection? - MedicineNet." MedicineNet. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2013. <http://www.medicinenet.com/staph_infection/page2.htm>.

"Staphylococcus Aureus." - MicrobeWiki. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013. <http://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/Staphylococcus_aureus>.