Bloodborne Staph Infection Symptoms

Staph is a bacterium commonly present on the surface of the skin that can cause severe problems upon entering the blood stream. Staph infections require a doctor's evaluation so that prompt treatment may follow to prevent life-threatening complications.

Definition

• Staph, or staphylococcus, resides on the skin and inside the noses of many healthy people. The bacteria remains innocuous while on the surface of the skin but can enter the body and go on to infect the blood, lungs and other body systems through even minor cuts. Bloodborne staph infections occur more frequently in those who have compromised immune systems but also occur in healthy individuals.

Indications

• Bloodborne staph infection symptoms include a fever, severe swelling and pain at the point of entry, a sore or boil at the point of entry, nausea, and vomiting. You should consult a physician when the initial signs of a skin infection occur so that you can receive treatment before the staph infection enters your bloodstream. Bloodborne staph infections are much more dangerous than surface level staph infections because the bacterium circulates throughout the body and can infect other body organs and cause serious damage. Heart valve issues, seizures and other serious symptoms may occur if a bloodborne staph infection is not properly treated in the early stages.

Causes

• Staph bacteria can pass from person to person. Many people go for extended periods of time with the bacteria present on their skin before experiencing an infection, while still others carrying the bacteria never become infected. Staph can also pass through food and touching objects that have traces of the bacteria present, because it is a hardy bacterium that can live on inanimate objects and in extreme temperatures for longer than many other germs.

Risk Factors

• People with compromised immune systems face a higher risk for a bloodborne staph infection than those who are healthy because their bodies have a harder time fighting during the early stages of the initial infection. Other risk factors include exposure to others with active infections, having recent burns or wounds, using medical equipment such as catheters and dialysis machines, and playing sports with a high level of physical contact.

Treatment

• A bloodborne staph infection is treated with a high level of strong antibiotics to kill the infection. It may also be necessary to surgically open the infection site and clean out any puss underneath the skin that contains the staph bacteria. Those with a serious bloodborne staph infection may need to have a PIC line inserted into one of their veins to inject the antibiotics directly into their bloodstream to fight the infection and prevent it from attacking the heart. Individuals may be treated on an outpatient basis or under hospital supervision until the infection is under control.