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Staphylococcal Infections
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Staphylococcal Infections

Staphylococcal (staph) infections are caused by a group of bacteria that can lead to a wide range of health issues, from minor skin conditions to life-threatening systemic infections.

What are Staphylococcal (staph) infections?

Staphylococcus (staph) is a group of bacteria with more than 30 types. A type called Staphylococcus aureus causes most infections. Staph bacteria can cause many different types of infections, including:

  • Skin infections, which are the most common types of staph infections.
  • Bacteremia, an infection of the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis, a very serious immune response to infection.
  • Bone infections.
  • Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.
  • Food poisoning.
  • Pneumonia.
  • Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a life-threatening condition caused by toxins from certain types of bacteria.

Causes and Risk Factors

Some people carry staph bacteria on their skin or in their noses without getting an infection. However, if they sustain a cut or wound, the bacteria can enter the body. Staph bacteria spread from person to person or via objects such as towels, clothing, door handles, athletic equipment, and remotes. Improper food handling can also spread the bacteria.

While anyone can develop an infection, those at higher risk include individuals who:

  • Have a chronic condition such as diabetes, cancer, vascular disease, eczema, or lung disease.
  • Have a weakened immune system (e.g., from HIV, medicines to prevent organ rejection, or chemotherapy).
  • Had surgery or are currently in the hospital.
  • Use a catheter, breathing tube, or feeding tube.
  • Have an implanted device, such as a pacemaker or artificial joint or heart valve.
  • Have deep or extensive burns.
  • Are on dialysis or inject illegal drugs.
  • Participate in contact sports.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of infection:

  • Skin infections: Can look like pimples or boils; may be red, swollen, and painful with possible pus or drainage. These can progress to impetigo (crust on the skin) or cellulitis (swollen, hot, red skin).
  • Bone infections: Pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the area, potentially accompanied by chills and fever.
  • Endocarditis: Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue) plus rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup in limbs.
  • Food poisoning: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and potential dehydration.
  • Pneumonia: High fever, chills, persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
  • Toxic shock syndrome (TSS): High fever, sudden low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and a sunburn-like rash.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Providers perform a physical exam and may use a culture (skin scraping, tissue sample, stool sample, or throat/nasal swabs) or imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment involves antibiotics, which may be administered as creams, ointments, oral medication, or intravenous (IV) medicine. Infected wounds may require drainage, and bone infections may require surgery. Some strains, such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), are resistant to many antibiotics but remain treatable with specific medications.

Prevention

  • Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing.
  • Do not share towels, sheets, clothing, or athletic equipment.
  • Ensure shared equipment is properly cleaned and dried.
  • Practice food safety and avoid preparing food for others if you have an infection.
  • Keep cuts or wounds covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

minor staph infection often looks like a small pimple or boil with redness and tenderness. However, if the area becomes rapidly larger, significantly more painful, hot to the touch, or if you develop a fever, it may indicate a deeper infection like cellulitis or MRSA. You should see a doctor if the redness spreads, if you see red streaks moving away from the site, or if the infection does not improve within a few days.
Warning signs of bacteremia or sepsis include a high fever, chills, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, confusion, or extreme fatigue. If you have a known staph infection and suddenly feel much worse, develop a new fever, or experience shortness of breath, seek emergency medical care immediately, as sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching a wound or using the bathroom. Keep any cuts or wounds covered with clean, dry bandages until they heal. Do not share personal items like towels, razors, or clothing with others. Additionally, clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and shared equipment, such as gym weights or door handles, regularly to reduce the risk of transmission.
Minor skin infections may be treated by draining the abscess and keeping the area clean, sometimes without antibiotics. However, antibiotics are necessary for infections that are spreading, deep, or affecting the bloodstream, bones, or heart valves. The specific antibiotic depends on whether the bacteria is resistant to common drugs, such as in the case of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), which requires specialized medications.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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