Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram positive bacteria that is a member of the Firmicutes phylum. It is found in 30% of the human population. It is often commensal but can sometimes causes disease, including infections of the skin and endocarditis. It also commonly colonizes the human gut. and can also colonize the nose.

Possible biochemical effects

S. aureus produce coagulase, an enzyme that causes blood clotting.

The presence of S. aureus in a model of the human gut decreased the production of butyrate.

Staphyloccocus bacteria produce alpha toxin

In chronic disease

Higher levels of S. aureus was found in the mouths of patients with Sjogren's syndrome.. A higher prevalence was also found in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and is implicated in traumatic brain injury.

Probiotics

Several probiotics were found to reduce adhesion of S. aureus to the human gut including Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii.

Herbs

Herbs shown to inhibit S. aureus include Bacopa monnieri, green tea extracts, turmeric, milk thistle, nigella,, cinnamon, and shrubby sophora. This may suggest a role for equilibrant and protandim in the control of S. aureus.

Mastic gum also has anti-S. aureus activity.

See also

• Staphylococcal vaccine

Learn more

• "Staphylococcus aureus – the CFS maintainer?" CFS remission blog, February 1, 2016

enzyme a substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.

chronic disease a disease or condition that usually lasts for 3 months or longer and may get worse over time. Chronic diseases are long-term (typically incurable and requiring long-term management) but are not necessarily severe.