A mrsa infection can occur through cuts, sores, catheters, and breathing tubes.
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Staph infections are caused by a type of bacteria called staphylococcus. These germs can live on your skin, in your mouth, or in your nose. Show
There are more than 30 types of staph bacteria, but the most common is Staphylococcus aureus, according to MedlinePlus. (1)About 30 percent of healthy adults have S. aureus in their nose, and about 20 percent have it on their skin, notes the Merck Manual. (2) Most of the time, staph doesn’t cause a problem. But if the bacteria spreads deeper into your body, you can develop a serious, or even life-threatening, infection. Types of Staph InfectionsThere are two types of staph infections, broadly speaking: skin infections and invasive infections. Skin infections are much more common, and most of the time, less serious, although they can be annoying and painful. But they can develop into invasive infections if they’re left untreated. Invasive staph infections can be life-threatening if they’re not managed properly, notes the Mayo Clinic. (3) Cellulitis, Impetigo, and Other Skin Infections Caused by StaphSome examples of skin infections that can be caused by staph include: Folliculitis In folliculitis, the hair follicles (the small pockets in the skin where strands of hair grow) become inflamed and often infected. Men with curly hair who shave their beard close to the skin often get folliculitis on the face and neck. Stye A stye is a small, red, very painful bump that grows from the base of an eyelash or under the eyelid. There’s usually visible pus in the center of the bump. Boils Boils are red, swollen, painful lumps that form under the skin. They usually start as an infected hair follicle that enlarges and fills with pus — bacteria, white blood cells, and dead skin. Boils, also called furuncles, often occur on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks, or inner thighs. A cluster of boils that form a connected area of infection is called a carbuncle. Skin Abscess A skin abscess is a pocket of pus surrounded by a thick membrane under the skin. Abscesses form when the body tries to protect itself from an infection by walling it off. Cutting a hole in the wall of the abscess with a surgical knife and draining the pus is the only real way to treat an abscess. Cellulitis Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin, including the dermis, or second layer of skin, and the subcutaneous tissue, or fat and connective tissue that form the bottom layer of skin. Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body but most commonly affects the lower legs. Impetigo This common and highly contagious staph infection begins as small blisters, usually on the face, hands, or feet, that eventually develop a honey-colored crust. Impetigo usually affects young children, but anyone can develop it. Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) This condition is caused by toxins produced by a staph infection and results in peeling skin over large areas of the body. The skin might look burned or scalded. It most often affects babies and young children. Wound Infections These infections usually crop up two or more days after you’ve had a skin injury or surgery. (1,2,3) Learn More About Cellulitis Learn More About Impetigo Invasive Staph InfectionsInvasive staph infections happen when bacteria enter the bloodstream. Some types are: Sepsis Sepsis is an infection of the bloodstream that leads to a widespread inflammatory response. It’s one of the most dangerous outcomes of staph and can spread throughout your body, affecting the function of internal organs. Septic Arthritis This infection targets your joints, often the knees, hips, shoulders, finger joints, or toe joints. Toxic Shock Syndrome This rare but serious condition can happen when staph bacteria get into your bloodstream and produce toxins. Toxic shock syndrome has been linked to the use of high-absorbency tampons, but anyone, including men, children, and women who don’t use tampons, can develop it under the right circumstances. Endocarditis Endocarditis happens when bacteria affect areas in your heart, most typically the heart valves. If it’s not treated quickly, the infection can damage or destroy your heart valves. Osteomyelitis This uncommon but serious condition happens when a bone in your body becomes infected. Pyomyositis Pyomyositis is a rare bacterial infection of the skeletal muscles, which are the muscles you use for movement. Pneumonia Pneumonia is a common infection that causes inflammation and fluid accumulation in the air sacs of your lungs, making it very hard to breathe comfortably. Food Poisoning Food poisoning connected to staph is caused by eating foods contaminated by toxins that are produced by the bacteria. It is not a true bacterial infection and should not be treated with antibiotics. Foods typically becomes contaminated by being touched by people who have staph on their hands. (1,2,3) Drug-Resistant Infections: MRSAMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph infection that’s resistant to commonly used antibiotics, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. (4) Most cases of MRSA occur in people who’ve been in hospitals or other healthcare facilities. But so-called community-associated MRSA, in which the infection is spread outside of hospitals or healthcare facilities, also occurs. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are contributors to the development of MRSA. On an individual level, you can help prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance by taking antibiotics only when necessary (not for viral infections like the flu or colds) and when they are prescribed to you by a doctor. Also, always finish your full course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms have improved, to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, such as MRSA. Learn More About MRSA Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Causes and Risk Factors of Staph InfectionHealthy people may carry staph bacteria and never know it, but when the skin is broken, the germs can enter the opening or wound and cause an infection. Staph bacteria can also enter the body via urinary catheters, intravenous lines, or other implanted medical devices. The bacteria can additionally be present on tattoo needles that have not been properly cleaned and needles used to inject drugs, particularly if they are shared or reused. Some staph infections of the skin are contagious and can pass from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact. Staph bacteria can also survive on objects or surfaces, such as bedsheets, towels, or clothing. Touching contaminated items is another way to get staph. Infections are common in group living facilities, such as college dorms or prisons, where people are in close contact with one another. Warm, humid environments are also good breeding grounds for staph. Anyone can get a staph infection, but certain factors increase your odds. You may have a higher risk of developing a staph infection if you have an underlying medical condition, such as:
People who’ve had a recent surgery or have been hospitalized also have an increased risk of developing staph infection. Taking certain medicines, including corticosteroids, insulin, or chemotherapy, can increase your chance of contracting staph. Additionally, staph infections are more common in individuals who use illegal drugs. Sometimes staph bacteria spreads through medical tubing, such as dialysis tubes, urinary catheters, breathing tubes, feeding tubes, or intravascular catheters. You might have a greater chance of getting staph if you use certain devices that require tubing. Playing a contact sport is another risk factor for staph. The bacteria can spread through skin-to-skin contact while playing or through touching equipment, towels, razors, or other items that are shared in the locker room. (3) Household Spread of Drug-Resistant StaphRecent research has shown household environments play an important role in how staph infections, such as MRSA, are spread. One 2019 study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that staph is more likely spread from person to person in a residence that: (5)
Hygiene habits that reduced the risk of staph spread among household members include showering instead of taking baths, brushing teeth twice daily, and practicing frequent hand-washing. Which of these is the largest natural barrier to infection in a patient?As Figure 1 shows, the most comprehensive barrier is the waterproof layer of skin that covers the body's surface. Human skin keeps most pathogens out as long as it remains intact.
What are used as a barrier to microorganisms quizlet?The largest natural barrier to infection is the intact skin. Mucous membranes lining the body's orifices and respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and urinary tracts assist in attracting microorganisms. During the inflammation process, phagocytes engulf, digest, and destroy pathogens.
What uses steam and pressure dry heat dry gas or radiation for sterilization?Autoclave: Device that sterilizes instruments or other objects using steam under pressure. The length of time required for sterilization depends on temperature, vacuum, and pressure.
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