Staphylococcus Aureus Treatments

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria found on the skin and in the nose. Many healthy individuals carry the bacteria without ever suffering from an infection. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, up to 20 percent of individuals carry the bacteria off and on again. When the bacteria reach an open wound an infection may occur, commonly referred to as a staph infection.

Risk of Infection

• Some people are at higher risk to developing a staph infection than others. Hospitalization and illness puts one at high risk for infection, especially patients with weak immune systems and surgical wounds. Burn victims, due to the large amount of exposed skin, have a higher risk of the infection. Patients using a variety of invasive devices, such as urinary catheters, IV therapy and feeding tubes, may risk the bacteria entering the body. Participating in a variety of contact sports from football to rugby increases the risk of a staph infection. Contact sports cause a variety of open wound injuries where the bacteria can enter the skin and cause an infection.

Spread of Bacteria

• The bacteria can be spread via airborne methods, surface contamination and from one person to another during skin contact. Infection is commonly seen in younger children and healthcare workers. The bacteria is commonly present on the skin including inside the nasal cavity. Underlying illness can cause a person to be at risk for a staph infection. These diseases include atopic dermatitis, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disorder and malnutrition among others.

Diagnosis

• A swab from the infected wound is taken and examined in the laboratory, or a blood culture will determine a positive infection based upon antibodies present in the blood sample. Additional signs and symptoms are reviewed by a medical provider prior to making a diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms vary greatly depending on the location and severity of the staph infection. Mild symptoms include fever, drainage, swelling and redness to the affected area. Boils commonly form under the skin in hair follicles that contains pus. Impetigo may form on the skin; red blisters may ooze light colored fluid and is often seen in younger children and infants. Bacteremia, or blood poisoning, occurs when the bacteria enters the blood stream. A fever is the most common symptom of bacteremia. Septic arthritis is also caused by a staph infection; joint swelling, fever and chills are common symptoms.

Treatments

• Some infections require no treatment and the skin will heal on its own. Avoid infections by washing hands and body daily. Keep wound and cuts clean and covered, suggests Kids Health, a website founded by the Nemour's Center for Children's Health Media. An incision and drainage of the wound may be necessary to remove bacterial buildup and infected tissue. Antibiotic therapy may also follow, however, antibiotic resistance is becoming more common. MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, has caused for the use of more severe and harsh antibiotics. The Mayo clinic also reports that less than 10 percent of staph infections can be treated with penicillin. A laboratory test will determine the best type of antibiotics to administer. Debridement of dead tissue, necrosis, may be necessary.