Causes and Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus or "staph") facts, including how S. aureus is spread, common symptoms and complications.

S. aureus has long been recognized as one of the most important bacteria that cause disease in humans. It is the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses (boils), furuncles, and cellulitis. Although most staph infections are not serious, S. aureus can cause serious infections such as bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or bone and joint infections.

Signs and symptoms of infection
Most infections caused by S. aureus are skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses or cellulitis.

Abscess
- Pocket of infection that forms at the site of injury.
- Usually filled with pus.
- Area surrounding the abscess is usually red, painful and swollen and the skin surrounding the abscess can feel warm to the touch.

Cellulitis
- An infection of the underlying layers of the skin.
- Usually results from a scrape or cut in the skin which allows bacteria to enter, although no injury may be apparent.
- Cellulitis can occur anywhere in the body, but most often occurs on the legs or arms.
- Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain at the site of infection.

- S. aureus can also cause serious infections such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) or bacteremia (bloodstream infection).

Symptoms of these infections include: difficulty breathing, malaise, fever, or chills.

If you suspect you may have an infection with S. aureus contact your healthcare provider.


Duration of illness

- Some people can be colonized with S. aureus and never get an infection. For those people who do get an infection, the time from exposure to development of disease can be from days to years.
- Many common skin infections caused by S. aureus will heal without medical treatment. However, some skin infections will require incision and drainage of the infected site and some infections may require antibiotics.
- Most skin infections will heal within a few weeks.


More serious skin infections can take longer to heal if treatment is delayed or if ineffective treatment is given. Some serious S. aureus infections (such as pneumonia or bloodstream infections) typically require hospitalization and treatment with intravenous antibiotics.