Staphylococcus aureus, abbreviated S. aureus, is a bacteria found mainly on the skin and in the nose in humans and animals. We all carry types of bacteria, and in many cases they are harmless. In some cases, however, the bacteria can cause problems.
What is the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria?
Normally, Staphylococcus aureus does not spread diseases, but when skin or mucous membranes are damaged by this bacteria, it may do so. Infections can also develop deeper in the skin. The consequences of infection depend very much on the characteristics of the bacteria and the person's resistance. S. aureus can also cause food poisoning.
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a known variant of Staphylococcus aureus. This means that the bacteria is multi-resistant and thus insensitive to several antibiotics. This makes treatment for this variant very difficult. The bacteria is spread by direct contact. Spreading through loss of skin cells, mucous membrane cells and hair is therefore all possible.
A common problem in animal husbandry too
Staphylococcus aureus infection cannot only be contracted by a human; animals can also suffer from this bacteria. The clinical pictures in animals are roughly the same as in humans. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that causes udder health problems on many dairy farms. The bacteria can be on the udder skin and in the milk, and transmission often occurs during milking, via hands, cloths or the teat liner. Common complications include mastitis cases (udder inflammation), swelling of the udder and flakes in the milk. In pigs and chickens, arthritis can occur with infection. For animal welfare, it is wise to prevent S. aureus infection. Good hygiene measures are therefore also important.
S. aureus in rooms
Staphylococcus aureus is found indoors in the air, house dust, clothing and even surfaces. The bacteria can survive well in dry environments. Good hygiene in rooms is therefore important, and in doing so, it is important to properly disinfect surfaces and rooms to prevent S. aureus infection.
Prevention of a Staphylococcus aureus infection
As with all cases, prevention is better than cure. You can prevent a S. aureus infection by using traditional disinfectants. Besides being harmful to humans, animals and the environment, these agents can also cause unsafe situations due to improper use. Watter has launched a sustainable disinfection solution that allows you to combat biofilm and germs. Using water, salt and electricity, a disinfectant with HOCl as active ingredient is created. This disinfectant is safe for humans, animals and the environment and is not on the hazardous substances list. This makes safety obligations a thing of the past. Use Watter as surface disinfectant or atomiser to keep rooms S. aureus-free, and disinfect your animals' drinking water to prevent contamination of this bacteria.
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