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Definition
A staph infection (also known as MRSA) is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus . Staph infections can affect the skin, blood, bones, or lungs.
Causes
MRSA can be spread through several mechanisms:
- Air
- Contaminated surfaces
- Person-to-person
- From one area of the body to another
Risk Factors
The following factors increase your chances of MRSA. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
- Impaired immunity
- Exposure to hospital or clinical settings
Symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is attributed to MRSA. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
- Folliculitisinfection of hair follicles
- Boils a skin infection that may drain pus, blood, or an amber-colored liquid.
- Scaled skin syndromea skin infection characterized by a fever, rash, and sometimes blisters.
- Impetigo large blisters on the skin
- Toxic shock syndrome a rare but serious bacterial infection; two of its primary symptoms are a rash and high fever.
- Cellulitis a skin infection characterized by a swollen, red area that spreads quickly.
Infected Hair FollicleFolliculitis
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following: CulturesBlood testsUrine tests Skin biopsy removal of a sample of skin to test for infection TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following: MedicationsAntibiotics are given to kill the bacteria. Cleansing of the SkinWashing the skin with an antibacterial cleanser, applying an antibiotic, and covering the skin with a sterile dressing can help treat the infection and keep it from spreading. Prevention To help reduce your chances of getting a staph infection, take the following steps: Thoroughly wash your hands often with soap and water.Keep cuts and wounds clean and covered until healed.Avoid contact with other peoples wounds and materials contaminated by wounds. RESOURCES: National Center for Infectious Diseaseshttp://www.cdc.gov/ncidod National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseaseshttp://www3.niaid.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES: Public Health Agency of Canadahttp://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca The Hospital for Sick Children, Infectious Disease Divisionhttp://www.sickkids.ca/infectiousdiseases
References: Questions and answers: the flu and staph infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flustaph.htm . Accessed October 25, 2006. Staph infections. Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/staphylococcus.html . Accessed October 25, 2006. Last reviewed February 2008 by David Horn, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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