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Deadly Staph Infections

Staphylococcus bacteria, or staph, can cause a variety of potentially deadly infections. Staphylococcus bacteria is commonly found on the skin or in the nose. In most cases, it causes no problems, but when the bacteria finds a way deeper into the body through a cut or other opening, one of several types of infections may occur.

  1. Septicemia

    • Septicemia, also called blood poisoning, occurs when staph bacteria invades the blood. This life-threatening infection often occurs as a result of infection in other parts of the body, such as the urinary tract, abdomen or lungs. Septicemia may also be associated with meningitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, or a bone infection. Symptoms of septicemia include rapid breathing and heart rate, chills, decrease in urine production, fever, confusion, a decrease in body temperature, red spots on the skin and decreasing blood pressure. The death rate for septicemia is more than 50 percent, according to MedLine Plus.

    Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

    • Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the name given to a type of bacteria that resists antibiotic treatment with beta-lactam drugs. These drugs include methicillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin and penicillin. People with weakened immune systems may be more likely to develop MRSA. Staph and MRSA infections occur more frequently among people in dialysis centers, nursing homes and hospitals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MRSA usually appears as a skin infection that is slow to heal. People who have weak immune systems as a result of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or other illnesses may be at risk for developing a severe illness if infected by MRSA.

    Pneumonia

    • Staph bacteria can cause bacterial pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening infection or inflammation of the lungs. Symptoms of pneumonia include severe pain in the chest, chills, shaking, headache, coughing, fatigue, confusion, muscle pain, fever, sweating and shortness of breath. While anyone can develop pneumonia, it is more likely to occur in the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health problems, such as asthma, diabetes or emphysema.

    Toxic Shock Syndrome

    • Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a potentially deadly condition that occurs from the toxins produced by either staph or strep bacteria. Tampon usage is the most well-known cause of TSS, but it can also occur in anyone who has a staph infection, or who has had surgery or a skin wound. The symptoms of this rare condition include diarrhea, vomiting, confusion, a sudden high fever, muscle aches, headaches, and redness in the throat, eyes and mouth. A rash that looks like a sunburn is often associated with TSS. Other possible symptoms include seizures and low blood pressure.

    Endocarditis

    • Endocarditis occurs when the lining of the heart valves and chambers become inflamed by a staph or fungal infection. Symptoms of endocarditis include fever, sweating, chills, muscle aches, weight loss, shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness. The legs, feet or abdomen may begin to swell and the color of the urine may change as the condition worsens. Other symptoms include red spots on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands and painful nodes in the toes and fingers. If endocarditis is not detected and treated early, heart valves may be destroyed and death may occur.

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