(THE GIST OF PIB) Staphylococcus aureus

(FEBRUARY-2026)

Staphylococcus aureus

An institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) based in North East India has synthesised a novel biosurfactant which has been found to act effectively against bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.

About Staphylococcus aureus:

• It is a type of bacteria belongs to the family Staphylococcaceae. 

Characteristics:

• It stains Gram positive and is non-moving small round shaped or non-motile cocci.

• It is found in grape-like (staphylo-) clusters.

• It may occur commonly in the environment.

• It affects all known mammalian species, including humans.

• Further due to its ability to affect a wide range of species, S. aureus can be readily transmitted from one species to another.

Transmission:

• aureus is transmitted through air droplets or aerosol. When an infected person coughs or sneezes.

• It can also transmit through direct contact with objects that are contaminated by the bacteria or by bites from infected persons or animals. 

It causes

• Minor skin infections, such as pimples, impetigo etc.

• It may cause boils (furuncles), cellulitis folliculitis, carbuncles

• It is the cause of scalded skin syndrome and abscesses

• It may lead to lung infections or pneumonia

• Treatment: Healthcare providers can treat most staph infections with antibiotics.

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Courtesy: PIB