Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph) Bloodstream Infections
Care instructions
Staphylococcus aureus (also called S. aureus or staph) is a bacteria that normally lives on your skin. While normally it is harmless, it can cause infections at certain times. A boil or a wound infection after a cut in your skin are 2 examples of infections commonly caused by S. aureus.
Sometimes, S. aureus can cause infection by invading deep into your body, such as into your blood causing a bloodstream infection (also called bacteremia).
S. aureus bloodstream infections are very serious. This infection needs to be managed in a hospital. S. aureus bloodstream infections can make you very sick and can affect your lungs, heart, bones, muscles, and sometimes much more. The 2 most common types of S. aureus bacteria are:
- methicillin-susceptible S. aureus, which is also called MSSA
- methicillin-resistant S. aureus, which is also called MRSA
Learn more about S. aureus bloodstream infections.
Treating an S. aureus bloodstream infection
Treating an S. aureus bloodstream infection first involves determining where it came from and where it has spread in your body. Your doctors may request many tests to determine this. These tests may include an ultrasound of your heart (called an echocardiogram) to check for signs of infection in your heart and other tests like an MRI or bone scan to check for signs of infection in other areas of your body.
If the S. aureus bloodstream infection has set up in certain parts of your body, you may need surgery or a procedure to drain the infection. Foreign materials in your body, like prosthetic materials, implants, or medical devices you have, may need to be removed or replaced.
Patients with this infection usually need many weeks of antibiotics given through a needle placed in your vein (intravenous, or I.V.). Your doctor may prescribe cefazolin, cloxacillin, vancomycin, or a different type of I.V. antibiotic.
It is very important to continue antibiotics until your doctor says you are finished, even if you are feeling better. You may have mild side effects from the antibiotics, like diarrhea, rash, a mouth infection, or a vaginal infection.
Doctors will closely monitor you to make sure the treatment is effective. They will do regular blood tests to make sure the treatment is working and that there are no adverse effects. Your doctors will adjust your medicines when necessary.
Symptoms to watch for
Getting another S. aureus infection (called relapse) is uncommon but can happen.
Talk to a doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms within 1 month of finishing your treatment for an S. aureus infection:
- fever (temperature 38°C or higher), chills, or shakes
- unusual backache or pain
- chest pain or shortness of breath
- headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_staphaureus_bacteremia_adult_inst.
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link 811.
Current as of: August 21, 2024
Author: Antimicrobial Stewardship, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
