Question

Describe the characteristics that make Staphylococcus aureus such a dangerous pathogen

Answer 1

- First of all it can cause large number of different different diseases which is a highly specific characteristic of any pathogen.

- No vaccine is in the market against this bacteria till date despite of extensive research on Staphylococcus aureus.

- Can cause skin infections, respiratory infections, bone and joint infections, food poisoning, Bacteremia

- Transmits through skin-skin contact and other infected objects.

- This bacteria can stay in the body in dormant phase for years.

- The disease cause by Staphylococcus aureus if left untreated, can lead to death.

-The bacteria produces several enzymes ehich is harmful for host such as coagulase (prevents phagocytosis), hyaluronidase (helps in spreading), deoxyribonuclease (breakdowns the host DNA), beta-lactamase (helps in drug resistance).

- Produces harmful toxins as well.