How contagious is a Staphylococcus (Staph) infection, particularly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?

From the Guidelines

Staph infections, including MRSA, are moderately contagious through direct skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces. The bacteria typically spread through open wounds, cuts, or abrasions, and can also be transmitted through shared personal items like towels, razors, or athletic equipment 1. Healthcare settings present higher transmission risks due to frequent patient contact and invasive procedures. People with weakened immune systems, recent surgeries, or open wounds face greater infection risks.

To prevent transmission, practice good hygiene by:

• Washing hands regularly with soap and water
• Keeping wounds covered with clean bandages
• Avoiding sharing personal items
• Showering after athletic activities
• Using alcohol-based sanitizers when soap isn't available If you suspect a staph infection (look for red, swollen, painful areas on the skin, often with pus), seek medical attention promptly. Treatment typically involves drainage of abscesses and antibiotic therapy, which for MRSA may include medications like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), clindamycin, doxycycline, or in severe cases, vancomycin 1. It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve to prevent resistance development.

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, including MRSA, complicates the management of skin and soft-tissue infections 1. The prevalence of MRSA in different regions varies, with the highest rates in North America, followed by Latin America and Europe 1. Considering the local epidemiology and specific risk factors for MRSA is essential when deciding on antibiotic therapy 1.

In diabetic foot infections, MRSA is a significant concern, and empirical treatment with an antibiotic regimen that covers MRSA is recommended in certain situations, such as a history of previous MRSA infection or colonization, high local prevalence of MRSA, or severe infection 1. Healthcare providers should employ appropriate infection control measures to limit the acquisition or spread of MRSA.

From the Research

Contagiousness of Staphylococcus Infections

• Staphylococcus aureus, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), can be contagious through skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated surfaces 2.
• MRSA is a rapidly spreading pathogen associated predominantly with skin infections, and its contagiousness can be influenced by various factors, including the type of infection and the effectiveness of treatment 3.

Transmission and Prevention

• Staphylococcus infections can be transmitted through:
  • Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
  • Touching contaminated surfaces or objects
  • Sharing personal items, such as towels or razors
• Prevention measures include:
  • Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently
  • Avoiding sharing personal items
  • Keeping wounds covered and clean
  • Avoiding close contact with someone who has a Staphylococcus infection 4, 5.

Treatment and Contagiousness

• The contagiousness of Staphylococcus infections can be reduced with effective treatment, such as antibiotics 2, 3.
• However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains, including MRSA 6.
• It is essential to follow proper treatment guidelines and precautions to prevent the spread of Staphylococcus infections, especially in healthcare settings 2, 5.

Community-Acquired vs. Hospital-Acquired Infections

• Community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections are typically less resistant to antibiotics than hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) infections 2, 4.
• CA-MRSA infections can be treated with oral antibiotics, such as clindamycin, doxycycline, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, while HA-MRSA infections often require more aggressive treatment with intravenous antibiotics, such as vancomycin 2, 5.