Staphylococcus aureus, commonly referred to as staph, is a bacterium that can cause infections in the blood, lung, skin, soft tissue, bladder and on heart valves. Staph bacteria can invade the body through cuts and abrasions or contaminated medical equipment such as catheters. Many people, especially health care workers or those in long-term care facilities, are colonized with the bacteria, meaning the bacteria live on the skin or in the nose and mouth without causing infection. But skin breakdown and loss of immune function can cause people who are colonized with staph to become infected. Various medications are used to treat staph infections, depending on which type of staph is causing the infection.
Vancomycin
If the infection is serious enough to warrant a hospital stay, Vancomycin is the antibiotic that is generally used first. A powerful antibiotic such as Vancomycin is generally chosen to combat a staph variety that is resistant to traditional penicillins, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA). Vancomycin is administered intravenously and requires a hospital stay or home health nurse visit.
Cephalosporins
If the staph is is the type that is treatable with penicillins, a penicillin or cephalosporin such as nafcillin intravenously or cefazolin (brand name: Ancef) orally can be used, particularly for mild infections of skin and soft tissue. Possible side effects of these antibiotics include gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea and skin rash. These side effects usually resolve when treatment is completed.
Trimethoprim--sulfamethoxazole
Trimethoprim--sulfamethoxazole (also known as TMP-SMX, or Bactrim) is an oral medication commonly used to treat staphylococcus skin infections in patients who acquire the infection outside of a hospital or health care facility. Bactrim should not be used for patients with a known allergy to sulfonamides. Side effects with Bactrim include nausea, gastrointestinal irritation and skin rash. These usually resolve when treatment is complete.
References
- "Treatment for bacteraemia due to Staphylococcus aureus"; The Cochrane Collaboration; Cheng AC, et al.; 2009
- "Guidelines for UK practice for the diagnosis and management of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections presenting in the community"; British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy; Nathwani, et al.; March 13, 2008
- "Bacterial Infections: Staphylococcal Infections"; CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics; Hay Jr. et al., August 2008
