Minnesota Department of Health Fact Sheet 2/2010 Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus or “staph”) has  Most skin infections will heal within a few weeks. long been recognized as one of the most important o More serious skin infections can take longer to bacteria that cause disease in humans. It is the heal if treatment is delayed or if ineffective leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections such treatment is given. as abscesses (boils), furuncles, and cellulitis.  Some serious S. aureus infections (such as Although most staph infections are not serious, S. pneumonia or bloodstream infections) typically aureus can cause serious infections such as require hospitalization and treatment with bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or bone and intravenous antibiotics. joint infections. Transmission Signs and symptoms of infection  S. aureus is most often spread to others by  Most infections caused by S. aureus are skin contaminated hands. and soft tissue infections such as abscesses or  The skin and mucous membranes are usually an cellulitis. effective barrier against infection. However, if Abscess these barriers are breached (e.g., skin damage  Pocket of infection that forms at the site of due to trauma or mucosal damage due to viral injury. infection) S. aureus may gain access to underlying  Usually filled with pus. tissues or the bloodstream and cause infection.  Area surrounding the abscess is usually red,  Persons who are immunocompromised or who painful and swollen and the skin have invasive medical devices are particularly surrounding the abscess can feel warm to the vulnerable to infection. touch. MRSA transmission: Cellulitis  Traditionally, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus  An infection of the underlying layers of the skin. aureus (MRSA) infections have been associated  Usually results from a scrape or cut in the skin with hospitalization or other healthcare-associated which allows bacteria to enter, although no risk factors. injury may be apparent.  In recent years physicians and other healthcare  Cellulitis can occur anywhere in the body, but providers have observed an increasing number of most often occurs on the legs or arms. people with MRSA infections who lack traditional  Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain healthcare-associated risk factors. These people at the site of infection. appear to have community-associated infections.  S. aureus can also cause serious infections Complications such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) or bacteremia (bloodstream infection).  Most skin infections resolve without treatment, o Symptoms of these infections include: however, some infections require incision and difficulty breathing, malaise, fever, or chills. drainage or antibiotic treatment to cure the  If you suspect you may have an infection with infection. S. aureus contact your healthcare provider.  Skin infections that are left untreated can develop into more serious life-threatening infections such Duration of illness as infections of the bone or blood.  Some people can be colonized with S. aureus  Some people experience repeated infections with and never get an infection. S. aureus. o For those people who do get an infection,  There is a possibility for longer lasting or more the time from exposure to development of severe infections with Methicillin-resistant disease can be from days to years. Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) if the initial  Many common skin infections caused by S. antibiotic prescribed is not capable of killing the aureus will heal without medical treatment. bacteria. o However, some skin infections will require incision and drainage of the infected site and some infections may require antibiotics.

Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control 651-201-5414 – TDD/TTY 651-201-5797 – www.health.state.mn.us