STAPHYLOCOCCAL SKIN INFECTIONS 1

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Figure 1: Close-up of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria

Name: Debo Shittu

Prof: Dr. Mercedes Williams-Gonzalez.

Class: BIO-299

Date: 25 January 2017

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Introduction

Staphylococcal skin infections are caused by a Staphylococcus (or "staph") bacteria. The

staphylococcal bacteria live harmlessly on the surface of the skin, and about 15 to 40 percent of the

population carry these microorganisms in the mouth, nose, genital and the anal area without showing any

symptoms of infection (Stanway 2013). However, when there is a cut or puncture at the site of bacterial

colonization, the staph bacteria can enter through the wound and cause infections like folliculitis,

impetigo, boils, and cellulitis.

History

In 1880, Scottish Surgeon Sir Alexander Ogston identified Staphylococcus as a primary cause of

skin infection after studying pus from a surgical abscess under a microscope. He named the bacteria after

the Greek words "staphul" meaning "a bunch of grapes," and "kokkos," meaning "berry," because "the

masses looked like a bunch of grapes" (Orent 2006). German physician Anton Rosenbach further

differentiated the bacteria in 1884 into S. aureus (Latin for golden) and S. albus (white) according to

the colors of the colonies. Staph infections had a high mortality for the next 60 years until the introduction

of Penicillin and other antibiotics in 1942 (Orent). However, new strains of Penicillin-resistant Staph

bacteria soon evolved, and a stronger form of antibiotics called Methicillin was introduced in 1959. Only

a few years later, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcal Aureus (MRSA) became widespread in Europe,

Australia, and United States.

Diseases or Conditions Caused

Staph infections cover a broad range of severity, from a boil to flesh-eating infections. The

differences depend on the several factors including how active the infection is, how fast it spreads, how

deep it goes and how susceptible it is to antibiotics. Staph skin infections occur most commonly in

children and health workers. Other high-risk groups include:

People living in close quarters like in dormitories, prisons and military barracks

Athletes in contact sports like wrestling

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Patients using invasive devices like dialysis machines, urinary catheters, breathing tubes

and feeding intubations.

Intravenous drug users

Patients suffering from diseases like dermatitis, diabetes, leukemia and alcoholism

(Stppler 2016).

Staphylococcal skin infections cause a variety of diseases including:

Impetigo: This is a superficial bacterial skin infection characterized by pustules and golden-

colored crusted erosions. It is commonly known as "school sores," because it is most

common in small children, especially boys.

Ecthyma: This is a skin infection that causes crusted sores with ulcers. It is similar to

impetigo, but with deeper dermis erosion.

Cellulitis: This is a bacterial infection that affects the subcutaneous tissue and lower dermis.

It is characterized by a localized area of red, painful and swollen skin.

Folliculitis: This is the general name given to a group of skin conditions with the

inflammation of skin follicles. It leads to redness of the skin, with superficial pustules

(Boarto 2016).

Treatments

Staphylococcal skin infections are caused by the Staph bacteria, so the primary form of treatment

involves the use of antibiotics, including oral antibiotics like Cephalexin, Amoxicillin, and Clindamycin.

Staphylococci have become increasingly resistant to a majority of the common antibiotics like

Erythromycin, Tetracyclines, and Penicillin.

Stronger antibiotics like Methicillin and Flucloxacillin are reserved for more resistant cases, but

staph strains like MRSA have evolved to be resistant to the stronger prescriptions.
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Sequelae

If left untreated, staph skin infections could seep into the bloodstream and spread to other organs,

causing more severe infections. This leads to staphylococcal bacteremia or sepsis, which refers to the

presence of staph bacteria in the blood stream. Its symptoms are low blood pressure, chills, and fevers. If

left untreated, S. aureus has a mortality rate of 80% (Stppler 2016). If the pathogen reaches the lungs, it

could cause Staphylococcal pneumonia, which forms abscesses within the lungs' alveoli. If it infects the

bones, it causes osteomyelitis or septic arthritis. If the staph bacteria infects the heart, it could cause

inflammation of the heart valves (endocarditis) and heart failure.

Another serious condition that can arise from a staph skin infection is Toxic Shock Syndrome

(TSS). TSS is a disease caused by the toxins excreted by the S. aureus bacteria growing in a low-oxygen

environment. Its symptoms include high fever, vomiting, diarrhea and hypotension (low blood pressure),

which could lead to shock and death (Licitra 2016).

Preventive Measures

Good hygiene is the key to preventing staph skin infections, as it keeps the skin free of any

pathogens. The most useful tool is to wash hands frequently, especially before and after handling an open

wound. This ensures that the bacteria does not spread from one person to another. Particular attention

must be paid to areas like the nostrils and under the fingernails, as they are more likely to harbor the staph

bacteria. These sites should be cleaned with petroleum jelly or an antibacterial ointment like mupirocin

often. Another preventive measure for those who suffer frequent skin infections is bi-weekly bleach baths.

This procedure involves diluting household bleach with water in a bath at about the concentration of a

swimming pool and soaking in it for about 10 minutes (Licitra).

Conclusion

Staph skin infections can lead to a lot of serious issues down the road if not addressed

immediately. A lot of these skin infections are commonly found in prepubescent children, so parents

should pay close attention to their young ones for any rashes or injuries that look infected, and take action
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immediately. Improvements in personal hygiene are also an excellent way to prevent infection, and these

small steps can ensure that you are free of all diseases.
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References

Boarto, Elizabeth P. "Staphylococcus Aureus Infection Clinical Presentation." Staphylococcus Aureus.

Ed. Russel W. Steele. Medscape, 30 June 2016. Web. 27 Jan. 2017.

Licitra, Giancarlo. Etymologia: Staphylococcus. Emerging Infectious Diseases 19.9 (2013): 1553.

PMC. Web. 22 Jan. 2017.

Orent, Wendy. "A Brief History of Staph." ProtoMag. Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Jan. 2006.

Web. 22 Jan. 2017.

Stanway, Amy. "Staphylococcal Skin Infections." DermNet New Zealand. Ed. Amanda Oakley. DNNZ

Trust, Dec. 2015. Web. 27 Jan. 2017.

Stppler, Melissa Conrad. "Staphylococcus Aureus." MedicineNet. Ed. William C. Shiel. WebMD, 3 May

2016. Web. 22 Jan. 2017.