What happens in the body during an infected wound?
When a wound arises the barrier of the normal flora in the skin gets damaged. A normal flora is constructed of micro-organisms and varies in amount and composition between body parts and individuals. This flora is dominated by a composition of gram positive cocci, rods, and bacteria. These can be staphylococci, mikrococci, diphtheroids and propione bacteria. Gram negative bacteria are instead disease fruitful and have a higher resistance to antibiotics, especially penicillin. The normal flora also produces bactericidal substances and protects the skin from bacteria. The skin itself produces toxic lipids against bacteria. This means that when a wound arises the barrier the skin produced against bacterial attack is damaged. An infection can occur if the barrier gives rise to a growth of microorganisms that are uncontrollable.
Infection Causing Organisms
Different types of wounds become infected with different compositions of pathogens. Pathogens are organisms that are pathogenic and lead to an infection. These may be bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. When these organisms operate on the cell structure it affects the body adversely so that it cannot function normally.
Superficial wounds are normally infected by group A streptococci, C and / or G, and staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus). Only staphylococci may have arisen from the affected person’s own normal flora, as well as from people in one’s nearest surrounding. Streptococci, primarily Group A, will normally be found from individuals in the community. Regardless of infection, a wound of group A streptococcal should always be treated because it can spread from the wound into other areas of the body and very quickly become a severe infection. Normally staphylococci are treated only if the wound shows a sign of an infection.
Deep infected wounds can also be caused by streptococci and / or staphylococci. But normally the normal flora in this case is combined with gram-negative bacteria such as intestinal bacteria E. coli or Pseudomonas and anaerobic bacteria. All of these bacterial forms are infection spreading and attack individuals with renal infection defense such occurring during infected wounds. A group of unusual bacteria that can cause an infection is tetanus (Clostridium tetani) and gas gangrene (Clostridium perfringens). An infection with these bacteria can cause life-threatening conditions.
Note that small wounds can be cared for at home. If presented symptoms remain during a longer period of time one should contact a physician in order to ensure a proper clinical evaluation. Symptoms for infected wounds can include redness, heat, edema, pain, and fever.
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Page edited 2016-01-07.