Summary about Disease
Staphylococcal infections are caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, commonly found on the skin or in the nose of healthy individuals. Most of the time, these bacteria cause no problems or result in relatively minor skin infections. However, staph infections can turn deadly if the bacteria invade deeper into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the infection. They can range from minor skin problems like boils, impetigo, cellulitis, and scalded skin syndrome to more serious invasive infections.
Skin Infections: Boils (pus-filled pockets), impetigo (red sores with honey-colored crusts), cellulitis (red, swollen, and painful skin), scalded skin syndrome (rash resembling burns).
Invasive Infections: Fever, chills, low blood pressure, pain in affected area (e.g., bone pain with osteomyelitis), shortness of breath (with pneumonia). Septic arthritis may manifest as joint pain and swelling.
Causes
Staph infections are caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can spread through:
Direct Contact: Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a staph infection.
Contaminated Objects: Contact with contaminated surfaces like towels, razors, or athletic equipment.
Food Poisoning: Certain staph bacteria can produce toxins that cause food poisoning if food is improperly handled.
Medicine Used
Treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection.
Minor Skin Infections: Topical antibiotics (e.g., mupirocin, bacitracin) or drainage of abscesses.
Severe Infections: Oral or intravenous antibiotics. Common antibiotics used include cephalosporins (e.g., cefazolin), vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, clindamycin. The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific staph strain and its resistance patterns.
Is Communicable
Yes, staph infections are communicable. They can spread through direct contact with an infected person, by touching contaminated surfaces, or through airborne droplets (less common).
Precautions
Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching surfaces in public places or after contact with potentially contaminated items.
Keep Wounds Clean and Covered: Cover cuts and scrapes with clean, dry bandages until healed.
Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share towels, razors, clothing, or athletic equipment.
Wash Linens Regularly: Wash bedding and towels frequently in hot water and dry them on high heat.
Use Antibacterial Cleaners: Clean surfaces that are frequently touched, especially in gyms and locker rooms.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a staph infection outbreak depends on the severity of the infection and how quickly treatment is initiated.
Minor Skin Infections: A few days to a week with proper hygiene and topical treatment.
More Severe Infections: Several weeks of antibiotic treatment may be required, sometimes longer for bone infections.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: A doctor can often diagnose a staph skin infection by visual inspection.
Culture: A sample of pus or tissue is taken from the infected area and sent to a lab to identify the specific staph bacteria and determine its antibiotic sensitivity.
Blood Tests: May be done to check for systemic infection (sepsis).
Imaging Studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to evaluate deeper infections involving bones, joints, or internal organs.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline can vary greatly.
Skin Infections: Symptoms like redness, swelling, and pus formation can appear within a few days of infection.
Food Poisoning: Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea typically begin within a few hours of consuming contaminated food.
Invasive Infections: Symptoms can develop gradually over a few days or appear suddenly.
Important Considerations
Antibiotic Resistance: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA) is a major concern. It is resistant to many common antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.
Underlying Health Conditions: People with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or chronic illnesses are at higher risk of developing serious staph infections.
Hospital-Acquired Infections: Staph infections can be acquired in hospitals and other healthcare settings, often due to invasive procedures or contact with contaminated equipment.
Complete Antibiotic Course: It is crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence and antibiotic resistance.