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The Causes of a Staph Infection

According to the Mayo Clinic, many people carry staph bacteria and never develop staph infections. However, if you have a staph infection, it may likely have come from bacteria you have carried around for a while. Staph bacteria are vigorous and able to live on inanimate objects, like pillowcases, towels, and clothing. They be transferred by contact with such objects, and for some individuals, can cause serious illness.

  1. Definition

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, MRSA infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria --- also called "staph." MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This strain of staph is unfortunately resistant to most antibiotics, and can therefore be fatal.

    Causes

    • Staph infections such as MRSA are the result of excessive antibiotic use which has resulted from habitual prescriptions for colds, flu and viral infections that are unresponsive to these drugs; antibiotics in food and water; and germ mutation. The latter occurs when germs survive treatment and become stronger. For this reason, very few drugs are effective at treating staph infections.

    Occurrence

    • Staph infections occur when harmful bacteria have penetrated the body; this can occur in exposed areas, such as surgical incisions or open sores. When this happens, a potentially life-threatening infection sets into the joints, bones, surgical sites, bloodstream, heart and lungs. According to the Mayo Clinic, medical advice should be sought if you have an area of red, painful skin or pus-filled blisters, or if skin infections are being passed among your family. Additionally, two or more family members with a skin infection is a cause for concern

    Potential

    • In general, staph bacteria are harmless, unless they enter the body through wounds or cuts. In most cases, these infections are minor when they occur in healthy individuals. But those who are elderly, or have a weakened immune system, have a greater potential of developing a staph infection whereby serious illness could result. For this reason, those in hospitals and nursing homes can be most susceptible to infections.

    Transmission

    • Staph bacteria can be found on the skin or in the nose of about 1/3 of the population, according to the Mayo Clinic. Those who carry staph in their nose or on their skin, but are not ill, are termed "colonized." These individuals have the potential to pass the germs on to others.

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