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Types of Bacteria Found in Wound Cultures

A wound culture is designed to help identify if you're suffering from an infection and the type of bacteria that is causing your infection. Wound cultures may also be ordered to help your physician discern if treatment methods are helping fight your infection, or to help your physician administer additional treatments. There are various types of bacteria that can be responsible for the development of an infection.

  1. Staphylococcus Aureus

    • Staph can enter through a wound in your skin.

      Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria with nearly 30 different species. Normally, staph lives upon your skin in areas that include your nose, mouth and genital region. But If your skin were to become punctured, staph bacteria could potentially enter your bloodstream through your wound. As result, you can develop a serious staph infection or even methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MRSA can develop other illnesses such as pneumonia and even result in death.

    Group A Streptococcal

    • Streptococcus bacteria is commonly found upon your skin and in your throat. Strep is responsible for causing strep throat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in some instances strep infections can be "life-threatening." Strep bacteria that comes into contact with wounds can result in serious health complications that comprise of toxic shock syndrome (blood pressure loss and organ failure) and necrotizing fasciitis (tissue, skin and muscle death).

    Enterobacter Infections

    • Surgery can cause an enterobacter infection.

      Enterobacter infections are commonly found in hospital settings. In some instances, an infection can result from surgical wounds. Enterobacter is often difficult to treat because of its resistance to many forms of antibiotics. Enterobacter bacteria also contain endotoxins, which are poisonous agents that can result in serious health complications. Sepsis and death can result from an Enterobacter infection.

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