1. Staph Infection Slideshow Pictures
2. MRSA Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• What is Staphylococcus?
• Who is at risk for Staph infections?
• What are the symptoms and signs of a Staph infection?
• What types of diseases are caused by Staph?
• How are Staph infections diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for Staph infections?
• What is antibiotic-resistant Staph aureus?
• What are complications of Staph infections?
• Can Staph infections be prevented?
• What is the prognosis for Staph infections?
• Staph Infection At A Glance
• Pictures of Staph Infection - Slideshow
• Pictures of MRSA - Slideshow
• Patient Comments: Staph Infection - Antibiotic Resistant
• Patient Comments: Staph Infection - Length Symptoms Lasted
• Patient Comments: Staph Infection - Experience
• Staph Infection Index

The prognosis or outcome of Staph infections depends upon the type of infection that is present as well as other factors such as the extent to which the infection has spread and the underlying medical condition of the patient. Skin infections and superficial infections, in general, are readily cured with antibiotics. In rare cases, these infections may spread and cause complications, including sepsis (spread of infection to the bloodstream). It is important to remember that even after taking antibiotics for a Staph infection you can still develop a repeat infection.

Widespread infections such as sepsis have a more guarded prognosis; mortality (death) rates range from 20%-40% in cases of Staph aureus infection of the bloodstream. Before antibiotics were available, about 80% of people with Staph aureus sepsis died from complications of the condition. People with suppressed immune systems (those taking immune-suppressing medications or with immune deficiencies) are at increased risk for developing more serious infections.

Staphylococcal food poisoning typically resolves on its own without long-term complications.

• Staphylococcus is group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases.
• Staph infections may cause disease due to direct infection or due to the production of toxins by the bacteria.
• Boils, impetigo, food poisoning, cellulitis, and toxic shock syndrome are all examples of diseases that may be caused by Staphylococcus.
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, known as MRSA, is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to the antibiotic methicillin and other drugs in this class.
• Staph infections are treated with topical, oral, or intravenous antibiotics, depending upon the type of infection.

Additional resources from WebMD Boots UK on Staph Infection

REFERENCES:

Comer Yun, Heather, and Haizal Hamza. "Bacterial Infections and Pregnancy." eMedicine.com. Feb. 11, 2010. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/235054-overview>.

Herchline, Thomas. "Staphylococcal Infections." eMedicine.com. Jan. 8, 2010. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/228816-overview>.

Tolan, Robert W. "Staphylococcus Aureus Infection." Medscape.com. Jan. 10, 2012. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/971358-overview>.

United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA)." Mar. 3, 2010. <http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html>.

United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Healthcare-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (HA-MRSA)." Mar. 3, 2010. <http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa.html>.

United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infections." Apr. 15, 2011. <http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/>.