I've Been Told I Have a Staph Infection, What Does that Mean?

Staph infection is commonly diagnosed in many types of diseases. To pediatricians, surgeons, infection control professionals, and many others this is everyday terminology. A "staph infection" as it is termed, is a bacterial disease caused by a germ known in the medical community as Staphylococcus aureus. The name is derived from the Greek term for grape-like, due to the way it responds to a specific stain in the laboratory called the "Gram Stain". This stain makes the organism look a cluster of grapes due to its cellular arrangement and purple color.

What kinds of diseases does Staph cause?

Infections caused by this bacterium are many and varied depending on the situation. "Staph aureus" can be isolated from localized skin infections such as furuncles and carbuncles, deep tissue infections such as internal abscesses, and has also been known to cause urinary tract infections (UTI's). It can cause more severe illnesses such as pneumonia, sepsis, and surgical hardware infections.

One of the reasons that this organism can cause so many different types of diseases is due to its natural presence in human hosts. Many people can be colonized with "Staph aureus" on their skin and in their nasal passages without even knowing it. This is called a "carrier state", and these individuals will not look or feel sick. The bacteria will just live in its human host, and without some sort of opportunity, will never cause any problems. Unfortunately, the "carrier" can transmit the "Staph" bacterium to other individuals through normal daily contact. If the new host has cuts, a compromised immune system, or other sorts of injuries "Staph" can take over and cause infection.

What can I do to prevent it?

In the hospital setting the most important method of prevention is to make sure that physicians and nurses are washing their hands and changing their gloves before touching your loved ones. Doctors and nurses see dozens of patients every day, and each patient may have a different reason for being in the hospital. If you happen to be in the same unit as another patient with a "Staph infection" there is a high likelihood the bacteria can be transmitted to you though casual contact by the health care professionals. So be vigilant. Make sure that the people providing your care are not also creating more problems for you. Don't be afraid to ask "Did you wash your hands?" or "Did you change your gloves?" before allowing someone to treat you or your loved one.

At home you need to apply common sense. Wash any cuts and wounds immediately with soap and water. Use an antibiotic ointment to prevent the introduction of both Staph aureus as well as other types of bacteria. Keep injuries covered whenever possible to prevent becoming infected. Be very careful with bug bites. You may be a carrier yourself and introduce the organism by scratching open an itchy mosquito bite. Most importantly, if you have a cut or wound that looks infected, see your physician as soon as possible. It is possible for this organism to spread to other areas, such as the bloodstream, which can be fatal. Knowledge and vigilance can help to keep you safe from this common bacterial infection.

References: Personal training and education. Marlene Frazier, MT (ASCP)