Uncommon Bacterial

Staph Meningitis

Staph meningitis is an infection caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, also known as S. epidermidis, which causes an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Staph meningitis usually develops in neonates and infants after surgery.

Neonates

General:
Staph bacteria, which are one of the most common causes of skin infections, live on skin or in the nose. Minor infections include pimples and boils which can be treated with antibiotics. Major infections can trigger meningitis or pneumonia.

The major staph infections were previously treated with antibiotics, but the infections have become harder to treat due to recent antibiotic resistance, known as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Prevention:
Proper antibiotics before surgery will help to reduce the risk of having a staph infection which can lead to staph meningitis. Practicing good hygiene with thorough hand washing, clean dressing on cuts, and by avoiding contact someone else's wounds will also help prevent staph infections.

Symptoms:

• Irritability
• Nausea/vomiting
• Feeding poorly

Common symptoms such as fevers, headaches, and stiff necks can be tough to detect or might not even occur in neonates and infants. MFA urges anyone with these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately!

Diagnosis:
Staph infections are diagnosed by a skin biopsy or a swab of pus. Medical Doctors determine the types of antibiotics to use after the bacteria has grown and been tested.

All types of meningitis are diagnosed by growing bacteria from a sample of the infected person's spinal fluid, which is collected by performing a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Results show whether or not the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) has increased white blood cells, lowered glucose or increased protein and is often stained if positive. The proper bacterial identification is important for selection of the correct antibodies.

Treatment:
Staph bacteria are treatable with several antibiotics and staph skin infections can be treated by draining the sore.  The full course of prescribed antibiotics should be completed, even if the infection has healed and there are a few days left.

Source(s):
www.cdc.gov
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

Infants/children

General:
Staph bacteria, which are one of the most common causes of skin infections, live on skin or in the nose. Minor infections include pimples and boils which can be treated with antibiotics. Major infections can trigger meningitis or pneumonia.

The major staph infections were previously treated with antibiotics, but the infections have become harder to treat due to recent antibiotic resistance, known as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Prevention:
Proper antibiotics before surgery will help to reduce the risk of having a staph infection which can lead to staph meningitis. Practicing good hygiene with thorough hand washing, clean dressing on cuts, and by avoiding contact someone else's wounds will also help prevent staph infections.

Symptoms:

• Irritability
• Nausea/vomiting
• Feeding poorly

Common symptoms such as fevers, headaches, and stiff necks can be tough to detect or might not even occur in neonates and infants. MFA urges anyone with these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately!

Diagnosis:
Staph infections are diagnosed by a skin biopsy or a swab of pus. Medical Doctors determine the types of antibiotics to use after the bacteria has grown and been tested.

All types of meningitis are diagnosed by growing bacteria from a sample of the infected person's spinal fluid, which is collected by performing a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Results show whether or not the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) has increased white blood cells, lowered glucose or increased protein and is often stained if positive. The proper bacterial identification is important for selection of the correct antibodies.

Treatment:
Staph bacteria are treatable with several antibiotics and staph skin infections can be treated by draining the sore.  The full course of prescribed antibiotics should be completed, even if the infection has healed and there are a few days left.

Source(s):
www.cdc.gov
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus