Staphylococcus Experiment Essay

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The purpose of this experiment was to determine the type of Staphylococcus (commonly referred to as Staph) that was isolated from the nose by performing a series of tests. Staph is a bacteria that is very often the cause of skin, stomach and blood infections. It is commonly found on the skin, but is easily disinfected with antiseptics or even soap and water. It is normally dealt with by the body's immune system pretty easily, and as such is very hard to catch directly from another infected person. However, Staph can enter the body through any opening (including cuts) and find its way into the bloodstream. Ingesting it in quantity (through contaminated food, for example) is another means whereby it gains entrance. It is capable of multiplying very quickly. Even the smallest scratch can become infected and allow the bacteria to grow under the skin, where it will form pus filled sores (often boils) which can spread into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream or digestive system, the bacteria can be life threatening as it will spread and multiply rapidly. Staph infections are easily treated with common antibiotics. However, a form which was once found only in hospitals (MRSA), but is now widespread, is resistant to most known antibiotics and can only be treated with expensive narrow spectrum antibiotics. Aside from your skin, a favorite place for Staph and MRSA bacteria to live and grow is in your nose. Bacteria like Staph love moist and warm places like the nose, upper respiratory system, groin and arm pits. Staph can live in your nose and not cause a nose infection, however many people get sores and infections in their nose. For kids, the nose can get a lot of “finger traffic” which can spread Staph bacteria around to other surfaces they touch. Studies have shown that the nasal cavities of one-third of U.S. residents are populated with Staph, which usually sits

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