MAIN Health Diseases Staph Infections

Staphylococcus bacteria can be found just about everywhere. S. aureus is one of the bacteria that is commonly found on human skin.

According to Dr. Phillip Tierno, Chief of Microbiology at NYU Medical Center in New York City, about 25 to 50 per cent of the population carries staph germs and most do not have any symptoms of illness.

Normally, the staph around us does not harm us. Our immune systems are aware of the germ and keep it under control. If a cut or other break in the skin lets some staph bacteria through, we might see a boil that needs to be treated. Otherwise, we live in harmony with this germ.

When a staph infection does occur, treatments usually do not involve taking a prescribed antibiotic or applying antibiotic ointments or creams. Your doctor will drain the boil. Keeping the area clean and dry should be all that is necessary after that. Healthy adults are not normally in danger of serious complications from an average staph infection.

The toxins from the S. aureus bacteria can cause serious, even fatal, illness in people who have compromised immune systems. Infants and those with autoimmune diseases are the most vulnerable, but anyone recovering from illness or surgery can be at risk for complications such as urinary tract infections, surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.

For years doctors in hospitals have treated more serious staph infections with a range of antibiotics. Like most living organisms, staph adapts to the environment and develops immunity to help it survive. One strain of this germ that has become immune to the effects of the most prescribed antibiotics is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Recent outbreaks of illness caused by this bacteria have resulted in deaths and many areas have closed schools and restricted group activities following reports of students having MRSA. While it is important to receive early treatment for MRSA infections, the illness is easily controlled by antibiotics.

The most common symptom of a staph infection, including MRSA, is a pimple or boil that may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. More serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections.

The drug resistant form of staph is broken down into two distinct groups, community acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) and hospital acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (H-MRSA).

The steps recommended to prevent CA-MRSA are fairly simple.

• Wash hands frequently;
• Clean and bandage all cuts and scrapes;
• Don't share clothing, towels or other items, like razors or tweezers, that may have come in contact with staph on the skin;
• See a doctor immediately if you notice oozing from any cut, pimple or boil.

On the Web, find out more about staph infections at top sites offering expert advice on risk factors, tips & advice on prevention, along with more details on treatment options, the latest research news and online patient support ...

Community-Associated MRSA Information for the Public - The US Centers for Disease Control puts the information together in an easy question and answer format so you can find out more about staph infections and the "superbug" MRSA, an antibiotic resistant strain of staph bacteria.

MRSA infection - Mayo Clinic.com - A good introduction to the facts about MRSA including signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, when to seek medical advice, screening and diagnosis, treatment and prevention in language that is easy to understand.

Causes and Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus - The section on how to recognize the symptoms and the complications is exceptional in this collection of information from the Minnesota Department of Health.

MRSA 'superbugs' - Informative, if a bit pessimistic, piece from the BBC covering how MRSA came to be and what the future may hold in the battle against these drug resistant bacteria.

Staph Infection Pictures from CDC - Collection of pictures of staph on the Hardin MD site should help identify what it looks like if you need to know. Warning - some of the pictures are suitable for medical personnel and may be upsetting to others.

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.