Staphylococcus aureus
About Staphylococcus aureus
A bacterial infection that can involve any part of the body, but most commonly affects the skin and soft tissue (cellulitis) or causes a collection of pus (abscess). Staph bacteria are commonly found on the skin and in the nose but does not always cause an infection. These people are colonized but do not actually become ill. The infection can be localized to the skin or become widespread and lethal. The infection more commonly occurs in those with weakened immune systems, burns, surgical wounds, and patients with invasive devices such as urinary catheters, intravenous catheters, dialysis catheters, or breathing tubes. Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a special type of staphylococcus that is becoming more common and is harder to treat, requiring special antibiotics.Symptoms
Red, swollen, and painful patches of skin. Pustular drainage (yellow foul smelling fluid), fever, skin abscess, warmth around the infected area, red streaks traveling up the arm or leg (lymphangitis). More serious infections cause chills, fatigue, fever, general ill feeling (malaise), headache, muscle aches, red skin rash, shortness of breath, fainting, low blood pressure.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional testing will depend on the clinical situation. Identification of the Staphylococcal bacteria is typically done by culturing the wound, blood or urine. An imaging study may be done to determine the presence of a collection of pus (abscess) or the extent of the disease. Other tests may be performed to determine damage to other organs.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound, X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment depends on the extent of the infection. A simple collection of pus often only requires incision and drainage of the pus. More serious infections require antibiotics. The decision to use oral or intravenous medications depends on how serious the infection is and the health state of the patient. The medications currently used include: cephalexin (Keflex), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS), methicillin, nafcillin, and cefazolin (Ancef). Resistance to antibiotics is becoming an increasing problem, and methicillin resistant staph (MRSA) requires special antibiotics.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus.