Is Gram-Positive Cocci Contagious?
Gram-positive cocci, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, are contagious. Staphylococcus aureus, for example, is a common cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia, surgical wound infections, endocarditis, osteomyelitis and skin infections. The spread of bacterial infection can be airborne, by directly using infected intravenous catheters and prosthetic implants, or by sexual intercourse.
Most of these bacteria are ubiquitous, so good personal hygiene and frequent hand washing are required to avoid diseases caused by them. Treatment of diseases caused by gram-positive cocci is primarily by administering antibiotics. Further medical treatment, such as debridement, respiratory assistance and administering intravenous fluids, may be necessary depending on the disease.