Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that commonly causes an infection called a staph infection. There are more than 30 different Staphylococcus bacteria, but Staphylococcus aureus is the most common. The bacteria often lives on the skin and in the nose of healthy individuals without causing an infection. However, some people may develop severe staph infections are a result of the bacteria. The infections are most common on the skin, but they can also affect the heart, lungs or urinary tract. These infections are most common in people who are hospitalized or live in residential care facilities or who have a chronic illness or compromised immune system.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a staphylococcus aureus infection are dependent on where the infection develops. Skin infections are the most common type of infection and are often characterized by red and swollen skin. In many cases, boils or abscesses may develop. Some people with staph infections may also get an impetigo rash or cellulitis, an infection of the skin.
Risk Factors
Staphylococcus bacteria are very commonly found in hospitals and residential facilities such as nursing homes, so people who are hospitalized are at an increased risk of a staph infection. People who have severe burns or a medical condition that causes weakened immune system are also at an increased risk. People who undergo medical treatments requiring tubing to be inserted to the body are also more likely to develop a staph infection. Examples of these types of procedures include dialysis, intubation and catheterization.
Treatment
Staph infections are often treated with antibiotics. People who have skin infections may be given topical antibiotics to be applied to the affected skin. People with other types of infections may be given oral antibiotics. Severe infections may require intravenous antibiotics. If abscesses develop, surgical drainage of the wounds may be necessary to prevent complications.
Antibiotic Resistance
Because staph bacteria can adapt and change very easily, some staphylococcus aureus infections may be resistant to the antibiotics that have typically been used to treat them, including methicillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, has increasingly become a concern because stronger antibiotics or a cocktail or antibiotics must be used to treat the infection. The concern is that the bacteria will continue to evolve and become resistant to the newer antibiotics used to treat MRSA infections and will become more difficult to treat.
Prevention
Following simple hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent a staphylococcus aureus infection. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap, and be sure to lather your hands for 15 to 30 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Also, cover any open wounds with clean and sterile bandages and avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, clothing and razors.
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