Staphylococcus aureus Infections: Spectrum from Mild to Life-Threatening

Staph Infection Severity

Staphylococcus aureus causes a wide clinical spectrum:

• Skin/Soft Tissue: Folliculitis, furuncles, abscesses, cellulitis, impetigo—usually mild, treatable with drainage ± antibiotics.
• Invasive Disease: Bacteremia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, pneumonia, toxic shock syndrome (TSS), sepsis—high mortality.

Antibiotic Resistance

• MSSA: Methicillin-susceptible → nafcillin, cefazolin.
• MRSA: Methicillin-resistant → vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, ceftaroline.
• Community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) often carries PVL toxin → severe necrotizing pneumonia, skin abscesses.

High-Risk Groups

Neonates, elderly, immunocompromised (HIV, chemo, steroids), diabetics, hemodialysis, indwelling devices, recent hospitalization.

Prevention

• Hand hygiene, wound care, decolonization (mupirocin + chlorhexidine) for carriers in high-risk settings.
• Antimicrobial stewardship.