Where is s. aureus found in the body

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, new antibiotics such as methicillin and vancomycin were developed, which successfully treated golden staph infections. Methicillin-resistant strains of golden staph evolved in the s and have troubled hospitals worldwide with persistent infections in patients.

A vancomycin-resistant strain of golden staph emerged in Japan, and strains with partial resistance to vancomycin have been found in the USA, Australia and other countries. Infection in hospitals Hospital patients are more likely to be infected by golden staph because of surgical or other wounds.

These people can become seriously ill if their golden staph infections resist treatment from most types of antibiotics, and they may require isolation from other patients. Standard hygiene practices undertaken by hospital staff include: always washing hands when they are soiled for any reason using an alcohol-based hand rub solution with or without chlorhexidine between patients when taking observations such as pulse and temperature , bed making or performing other similar duties washing hands before, and after, performing procedures on patients wearing gloves, gowns and masks if necessary handling used equipment and laundry with care isolating infected patients when required thoroughly cleaning all surfaces.

Community-acquired golden staph infection Golden staph infections with resistant strains are becoming more common in the community, including among people who have not been in hospital recently within the past year or had a medical procedure such as dialysis, surgery or catheters. These are similar, but different to strains of golden staph found in hospitals, and can cause mild to severe infections.

Preventing the spread of golden staph Since golden staph is easily spread by contaminated hands, strict hygiene practices are needed, such as hand washing with soap and warm water, as well as good housekeeping. Cover all open wounds with a waterproof occlusive dressing until healed. These solutions are not necessary in the home or work situation. There are some situations when alcohol-based hand rub solutions should never be used — for example, instead of washing after going to the toilet.

Hands should be washed with soap and warm water and dried. Long-term prevention of golden staph Worldwide measures need to be taken to prevent new resistant strains of S. Experts propose: a more conservative approach to using antibiotics the use of narrow-spectrum rather than broad-spectrum antibiotics limiting the use of antibiotics like vancomycin maintaining or upgrading hygiene practices in hospitals and the community good infection prevention and control measures, such as hand washing developing new lines of antibiotics that are effective against golden staph.

Where to get help Your doctor Things to remember Staphylococcus aureus S. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Healthcare-associated Infections. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Staphylococcus aureus in Healthcare Settings. Drying in the dryer is better than air-drying, but staph bacteria may survive the clothes dryer.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, types of germs commonly found on the skin or in the nose of even healthy individuals.

Staph infection Open pop-up dialog box Close. Staph infection MRSA infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Jameson JL, et al. Staphylococcal infections. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. The McGraw-Hill Companies; Accessed Jan.

Holland TL, et al. Clinical manifestations of Staphylococcus aureus infection in adults. Fowler VG, et al. Clinical approach to Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in adults. Staph bacteria are very adaptable, and many varieties have become resistant to one or more antibiotics. The rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of staph bacteria—often described as methicillin-resistant S. To prevent staph infections, practice proper hand hygiene, keep infected areas covered and clean, and avoid sharing personal items like razors, towels, and needles.