Which of the following is a common finding in an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus?

Infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus is often associated with purulent skin lesions, which are characterized by the presence of pus. This bacterium commonly causes various skin and soft tissue infections, such as boils, abscesses, and cellulitis, where the body’s immune response to the bacteria results in localized accumulation of pus. The presence of these purulent lesions is a hallmark of Staphylococcus aureus infections and demonstrates the inflammatory response to the bacterial invasion.

While swollen lymph nodes can occur in various infections, they are not specific to Staphylococcus aureus and could be a reaction to numerous types of infections. Foul-smelling discharge may be observed in certain cases, particularly with mixed infections or specific types of wound infections, but it is not a defining characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus infections. Difficulty breathing is a symptom that could be associated with many respiratory infections or complications arising from systemic infections, but it is not a common finding specifically linked to Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Overall, purulent skin lesions are a key identifiable sign of infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, clearly differentiating it from the presentations typical of other pathogens or infections.