Staph Infection

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?
* How are Staph infections treated?
* What is antibiotic-resistant Staph aureus?
* What are complications of Staph infections?
* Can Staph infections be prevented?
* Staph Infection At A Glance
* Pictures of MRSA - Slideshow View MRSA Slideshow
* Patient Discussions: Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) - Length Symptoms Lasted
* Staph Infection Glossary
* Staph Infection Index

Can Staph infections be prevented?

No vaccine is available against Staphylococcus aureus. Since the bacteria are so widespread and cause so many different diseases, prevention of Staph infections requires attention to the risk factors that may increase the likelihood of getting a particular type of Staph infection. For example, it is possible for menstruating women reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome by frequently changing tampons (at least every four to eight hours), using low-absorbency tampons, and alternating sanitary pad and tampon use. Careful attention to food-handling and food-preparation practices can decrease the risk of Staphylococcal food poisoning. Careful hand washing, avoiding close skin contact with possible infected individuals, and proper hygienic care of skin scrapes, cuts, and wounds can all reduce the likelihood of skin infections due to Staph, including community-acquired MRSA.
Staph Infection At A Glance

* 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.


http://www.medicinenet.com/staph_infection/page3.htm#prevention