Staph Infection in Mouth: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

A staph infection is a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. Often, these infections are caused by a species of staph called Staphylococcus aureus.

In many cases, a staph infection can be easily treated. But if it spreads to the blood or deeper tissues of the body, it can become life-threatening. Additionally, some strains of staph have become more resistant to antibiotics.

Although rare, it’s possible to have a staph infection in your mouth. Read on below as we explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment of an oral staph infection.

The general symptoms of an oral staph infection can include:

• redness or swelling inside the mouth
• painful or burning sensation in the mouth
• inflammation at one or both corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis)

S. aureus bacteria have also been found in 0.7 to 15 percent of dental abscesses. A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that develops around a tooth due to a bacterial infection. Symptoms can include:

• pain, redness, and swelling around the affected tooth
• sensitivity to temperature or pressure
• fever
• swelling in your cheeks or face
• bad taste or bad smell in your mouth

Although many staph infections can be easily treated, sometimes serious complications can occur.

Bacteremia

In some cases, staph bacteria can spread from the site of infection into the bloodstream. This can lead to a serious condition called bacteremia.

Symptoms of bacteremia can include fever and low blood pressure. Untreated bacteremia can develop into septic shock.

Toxic shock syndrome

Another rare complication is toxic shock syndrome. It’s caused by toxins produced by staph bacteria that have entered the blood. Symptoms can include:

• high fever
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea
• aches and pains
• rash that looks like a sunburn
• abdominal pain

Ludwig’s angina

Ludwig’s angina is a severe infection of the tissues of the bottom of the mouth and neck. It can be a complication of dental infections or abscesses. Symptoms can include:

• pain in the affected area
• swelling of the tongue, jaw, or neck
• difficulty with swallowing or breathing
• fever
• weakness or fatigue

Staphylococcus bacteria cause staph infections. These bacteria commonly colonize the skin and nose. In fact, according to the CDC, about 30 percent of people carry staph bacteria inside their nose.

Staph bacteria are also capable of colonizing the mouth. One study found that 94 percent of healthy adults carried some form of Staphylococcus bacteria in their mouth and 24 percent carried S. aureus.

Another study of 5,005 oral specimens from a diagnostic laboratory found that more than 1,000 of them were positive for S. aureus. This means the mouth could be a more significant reservoir for staph bacteria than previously believed.

The bacteria that cause a staph infection are contagious. That means that they can be spread from person to person.

Someone with staph bacteria colonizing their mouth may spread it to other people by coughing or talking. Additionally, you may get it by coming into contact with a contaminated object or surface and touching your face or mouth.

Even if you’re colonized with staph, it doesn’t mean you’ll get sick. Staph bacteria are opportunistic and often only cause infections under specific circumstances, such as the presence of an open wound or an underlying health condition.

Most people colonized with staph don’t get sick. Staph is opportunistic. It typically takes advantage of a specific situation to cause infection.

You may be more likely to get an oral staph infection if you have:

• an open wound in your mouth
• had a recent oral procedure or surgery
• recently stayed in a hospital or other healthcare facility
• an underlying health condition like cancer or diabetes
• a compromised immune system
• a medical device inserted, such as a breathing tube

If you have pain, swelling, or redness in your mouth that worries you, see a doctor. They can help to find out what may be causing your symptoms and determine an appropriate course of treatment.

Many staph infections respond well to antibiotic treatment. If you’re prescribed oral antibiotics, be sure to take them as directed and finish the entire course to prevent a recurrence of your infection.

Some types of staph are resistant to many types of antibiotics. In these cases, you may need stronger antibiotics, some of which may need to be given via IV.

A doctor may perform antibiotic susceptibility testing on a sample from your infection. This can help to better inform them on which types of antibiotics may be most effective.

In some cases, treatment with antibiotics may not be necessary. For example, if you have an abscess, the doctor may choose to make an incision and drain it.

At home, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to help with inflammation and pain, and rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

Complications

In cases where your infection is very severe or has spread, you’ll likely need to be hospitalized. This way, care staff can monitor your treatment and recovery more carefully.

While you are hospitalized, you’ll likely receive fluids and medications by IV. Some infections, such as Ludwig’s angina, may require surgical drainage.

There are a few ways that you can help to prevent getting a staph infection in your mouth:

• Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. If this isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Practice good oral hygiene. Taking care of your teeth and gums through brushing and flossing can help prevent things like dental abscesses.
• Visit a dentist for regular teeth cleanings.
• Don’t share personal items like toothbrushes and eating utensils.

Staph infections are caused by bacteria from the genus Staphylococcus. Although these types of infections are often associated with the skin, in some cases they can occur in the mouth.

Staph is an opportunistic pathogen and many people who have staph in their mouth won’t experience illness. However, some situations like an open wound, recent surgery, or underlying condition can increase your risk of becoming sick.

If you have oral symptoms of a staph infection, see a doctor immediately. It’s important that they evaluate your condition promptly and determine a treatment plan to prevent potential serious complications.

MRSA in the Mouth: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

MRSA in the Mouth: Signs, Causes, and TreatmentClinical Content Reviewed by Dr. Jay Khorsandi, DDS

Last Modified:April 5, 2022

⊗

Clinical content featured by Byte is reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to help ensure clinical accuracy.

We follow strict sourcing guidelines and each page contains a full list of sources for complete transparency.

Table of Contents

1. Symptoms
2. Complications
3. Causes
4. Is MRSA Contagious?
5. Transmission
6. Risk Factors
7. Treatment
8. Prevention
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. References

MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is an infection caused by a staph bacteria that is resistant to most antibiotics. It is typically found in people who have spent time in a hospital or some other healthcare facility.

Recent reports are showing higher numbers of MRSA rates in the mouth. There is no concrete reason for why, but it could be because of a wide usage of antibiotic prophylaxis in at-risk dental procedures.

The mouth holds a large number of micro-organisms, that can be part of a repository of antibiotic-resistant factors. In the mouth, bacteria form an enclosed community in a self-produced pattern. This pattern makes it easier for antibiotic resistance genes to accomplish horizontal gene transfer.

Symptoms of MRSA

Typically, a staph infection is easily treated, but if it spreads to deeper tissue or blood, it can be life-threatening. The symptoms of an oral staph infection, MRSA include:

• Inflammation at both or one of the corners of the mouth
• Burning or painful sensation in the mouth
• Swelling or redness inside the mouth

The MRSA has also been reported to develop around a tooth. If this occurs, the symptoms will include:

• Fever
• Sensitivity to pressure or temperature
• Swelling, redness, or pain around the affected tooth
• Bad smell or taste in the mouth
• Swelling in the face or cheeks

Complications of Staph in Your Mouth

Doctors and hospitals can easily treat several types of staph infections, but at times serious complications can occur.

In these cases, staph bacteria spread from the site where the infection started into the bloodstream.

This condition is serious and known as bacteremia. Symptoms of bacteremia include:

• Low blood pressure
• Fever

Left untreated, bacteremia can develop into septic shock, or sepsis. Septic shock occurs when your body reacts strongly to an infection. The reaction creates drastic changes in your body and can be potentially life-threatening. Sepsis is mainly caused by bacterial infections, but any infection can cause this condition if left untreated.

Because MRSA infections are so resistant to antibiotics, they are difficult to treat. Because of this difficulty, the infection can spread and affect your:

• Joints
• Bloodstream
• Bones
• Lungs
• Heart

Causes of MRSA in the Mouth

Staph infections are usually found in your nose or on your skin. Bacteria are typically harmless unless it enters your body through a wound or cut.

Even if they enter through a skin breakage, they are typically only a minor skin problem if you are healthy.

MRSA in the mouth is considered to be the result of unnecessary antibiotic use. Antibiotics have been getting prescribed for viral infections, cases of flu and colds that will not respond to them.

When antibiotics are not used correctly, they contribute to the increase of drug-resistance bacteria. Bacteria live on a fast track, and if germs survive treatments with one antibiotic, they will soon learn how to resist others.

Is MRSA Contagious?

MRSA spreads through contact, so you can contract it by touching someone who has it. You can also contract MRSA by touching objects that have bacteria on them.

MRSA in your mouth will also affect your saliva. There are plenty of means of transmitting certain illnesses through your saliva. These are a few of the illnesses that can work their way from your saliva into your nose, lungs, throat and spread to others:

• Strep bacteria
• Colds
• Mono
• Cold sores
• Flu virus
• Hepatitis C and B
• Cytomegalovirus

Anyone with MRSA in their mouth can spread the infection to others by talking or coughing. It can also be transmitted through a contaminated surface, object or by touching your mouth or face.

How Can MRSA be Transmitted in a Dental Setting?

An active MRSA infection typically involves patients who are not healthy or have a medical condition making them weak. MRSA occupies those who remain asymptomatic and are carriers of the infection. Healthy, young people and dental personnel typically become passive MRSA carriers.

The most common transfer of the infection can occur if the dental personnel carry MRSA from one patient to another on their unchanged gloves, hands, under their fingernails, or hands.

The least common or secondary transmission of the infection is through environmental objects. Indirect contact by contaminated equipment in the treatment area, such as the dental chair, the floor beneath the chair, towel dispenser, sink, and other surfaces in the dental office are also sources of transmitting the infection.

An unfortunate factor surrounding MRSA is that it can survive on object surfaces and instruments for two to three days and the personnel’s hands for up to three hours.

Risk Factors of MRSA

Risk factors of MRSA include significant mortality and morbidity for patients who are elderly or have compromised immune systems. It is much less serious and seldom fatal in younger patients.

Researchers recommend health care workers who carry the MRSA organisms limit or eliminate direct contact with patients until they are cleared of the organisms. Exposure risks and medical concerns for contracting MRSA infections include:

• Having a history of MRSA infection
• Having a history in the past year of healthcare contact
• Frequent or recent antibiotic use
• Close contact with an infected person who has MRSA
• Injection drug use
• Recurrent skin disease
• Living in crowded conditions
• Incarceration
• Being involved in sports with skin-to-skin contact

Treatment for MRSA

If you develop redness, swelling, or pain in your mouth that becomes a concern, you should see your doctor. It is important to learn what the cause of your symptoms is so an appropriate course of treatment can begin.

Some staph infections will respond to antibiotic treatments and other treatments that are more resistant to antibiotics may need a stronger regime. Some infections will require treatment through an IV. Your doctor will determine the type of your infection, so the proper treatment is started as early as possible.

Prevention of MRSA

In a hospital setting, people with MRSA are often isolated as a means to prevent the spread of the infection. Health care workers and visitors of those in isolation may be required to wear protective garments.

Healthcare workers need to follow strict hand hygiene procedures. Healthcare and dental workers can help prevent MRSA by washing their hands or using hand sanitizer before and after each appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get MRSA in your mouth?

Yes, MRSA in the mouth is enhanced with the wide use of antibiotic prophylaxis during at-risk dental procedures. This infection can also be a threat to your mouth if dental care workers do not properly clean their equipment, hands, or surface areas in the office.

What are the first signs of MRSA?

Symptoms of MRSA include:

• Inflammation at both or one of the corners of the mouth
• Burning or painful sensation in the mouth
• Swelling or redness inside the mouth

Can dental abscesses be MRSA?

MRSA can cause a boil or abscess. It will begin as a small bump that looks much like a pimple, and quickly turns painful, hard, filled with pus or a cluster of blisters. Not all abscesses or boils are MRSA bacteria, there are reasons for these culprits.

References

MRSA infection. (1998-2022) Mayo Clinic – Patient Care & Health Information.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the Oral Cavity: Implications for Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Surveillance. (December 2020). Eric S Donkor and Fleischer CN Kotey, U.S. National Library of Medicine-National Institutes of Health.

What Does an Oral Staph Infection Look Like, and How Do I Treat It? (September 2019). Healthline.

Septic Shock. (October 2021). Healthline.

Understanding MRSA Infection—the basics. (April 2021). WebMD.

Does Saliva Have Health Risks? 3 Ways Germs Can Spread. (April 2020). Cleveland Clinic.

Management of MRSA patients on the dental chair (August 5, 2017). International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences-Case Report.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to serve as dental or other professional health advice and is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition or symptom. You should consult a dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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Further Reading

Staphylococcus in the mouth: causes, symptoms, treatments

Contents

• Causes of staphylococcus infection
• Staphylococcus in the mouth symptoms
• Diagnosis of the disease
• How to treat staphylococcus in the mouth?
• Staphylococcus in the mouth prevention

The most dangerous is Staphylococcus aureus, which settles on the skin, mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, nasopharynx, gastrointestinal tract and quickly gets used to new conditions. Quite often, staphylococcus aureus appears in the mouth and causes a lot of trouble.

Staphylococci are Gram-positive bacteria that are widely distributed in the environment. Some of their species live permanently in the human body.

And when immunity is weakened or other conditions favorable for them, they begin to manifest themselves.

Causes of staphylococcus infection

Since the infection is a permanent inhabitant of human mucous membranes and skin, it enters the body through damaged mucous membranes and skin.

Also, infection can occur through close contact or with food.

Do not forget that many people are carriers of bacteria that do not manifest themselves in them until a certain time.

Experts identify several ways of transmission of staphylococcal infection:

1. Airborne. Bacteria are transmitted through the air by coughing, sneezing, or simply breathing by a nearby sick person.
2. Contact household. The infection enters the body through contact with the skin or household items.
3. Dust. Staphylococcal bacteria can live in the environment for a long time. Therefore, when inhaling dust, infection can occur, which is called airborne dust.
4. Medical instruments. Poorly processed tools can cause bacteria to infect a healthy body. This can happen during surgery or diagnosis. At the same time, instruments can be processed with high quality, however, bacteria have developed resistance to these processing methods.
5. Alimentary or fecal-oral route. Such infection occurs through dirty hands, that is, with insufficient hygiene.

Staphylococcus aureus already present in the human body may not manifest itself for a long time.

The causes of infection in the mouth, nasopharynx, bronchi, intestines can be:

• reduced immunity due to stress, illness, overwork,
• hypothermia,
• frequent drinking and smoking,
• failures and diseases of the endocrine system,
• chronic diseases,
• AIDS and immunodeficiency virus,
• viral infections (influenza, SARS),
• insufficient hygiene,
• violation of the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes,
• consumption of contaminated and dirty products,
• long-term use of vasoconstrictor nasal drops, which leads to damage to the nasal mucosa and the penetration of infection.

According to statistics, the elderly, young children and newborns are most susceptible to staphylococcal infection.

Staphylococcus in the mouth symptoms

Bacteria enter the oral cavity with food or through poorly washed hands.

Symptoms of oropharyngeal disease with staphylococcus are:

• small pustules in the mouth,
• lack of appetite,
• headache and dizziness,
• fever,
• inflammation of the lymph nodes,
• edematous, red tonsils, with possible purulent coating,
• Discomfort and pain in the throat, which is aggravated by swallowing.

See also: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (mycobacterium tuberculosis)

The main symptoms are sores on the tongue and gum mucosa. The remaining signs of the patient may be confused with symptoms of the flu, SARS or colds.

Both adults and children can suffer from staphylococcus in the mouth. At the first symptoms, it is necessary to start treatment and consult a doctor.

Otherwise, the infection can go to the nasopharynx and cause bronchitis, tracheitis, pharyngitis or the intestines, where staphylococcus causes dysbacteriosis.

Diagnosis of the disease

Only a doctor can identify and confirm that it is a staphylococcal infection in the mouth based on symptoms and laboratory tests.

There are two methods for detecting staphylococcus:

1. Microbiological. A swab is taken from the mouth and placed in a special nutrient medium. In a day, the first results will already be visible. Staphylococcus aureus has a cloudy convex shape and appears in the form of colonies. There is a modern coagulase test, the result of which will be visible after four hours.
2. The serological method gives little accuracy, so today it has lost its popularity. With this method, one type of bacteria kills either one group of bacteriophages, or all four.

The complete absence of Staphylococcus aureus in the human body is considered normal. If the symptoms and diagnosis confirm their presence, then treatment is necessary.

How to treat staphylococcus in the mouth?

When the first symptoms of an infection appear, you should consult a doctor who will determine the degree of the disease and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

First of all, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system, carry out local treatment, and only in more severe cases resort to antibiotic therapy.

Immunostimulants

Topical bacterial lysates are the ideal preparations for boosting immunity in staphylococcus carriers.

For infections in the mouth, Imudon is prescribed. These are lozenges intended for resorption that improve the functioning of the immune system.

Due to its composition, the drug increases the production of immunoglobulin A in saliva, lysozyme and interferon, and increases the number of immunocompetent cells.

Imudon is used for oral staphylococcus and other infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx.

According to the instructions, the tablets can be sucked or chewed. In the acute nature of the disease, the recommended dose is 8 tablets per day.

At least one to two hours should elapse between taking the medication. The course of therapy can last up to ten days. For preventive purposes, 6 tablets per day are taken.

Antibiotics for staph in the mouth

Staphylococcus aureus adapts quickly to different medications, so a new medication is required to treat an infection each time.

See also: Left-sided lower lobe pneumonia: symptoms and treatment

Today, medicine offers the following types of antibiotics:

1. Clorsacillin. The drug blocks reproduction and destroys bacteria. Before prescribing its dose, it is necessary to determine the susceptibility of the infection to it. Tablets are taken four times a day by children under two years old, 0. 125 g each, children from two to ten years old, 0.25 g each, children over ten years old and adults, 0.5 g each. In severe forms of infection, the dose may be increased.
2. Clindomycin. An antibacterial agent from the group of lincosamides. It is used to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases caused by staphylococcus and other gram-positive bacteria. The dose of the drug is calculated only by the doctor.
3. Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. A broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be bought under the names – Flemoxin Solutab, Augmentin, Amoxiclav. When choosing a dose, the localization and severity of the infection, the body weight and age of the patient, and the condition of the kidneys are taken into account.
4. Cefuroxime. The second generation antibiotic can be produced under the name Zinnat. Available in the form of tablets and powder for intramuscular or intravenous administration. The dose for treatment depends on the severity of the disease.
5. Cephalexin. Available in the form of capsules, tablets and powder for suspension, which is given to children. It is prescribed with caution during pregnancy, lactation and renal failure. The average dose for adults is 0.25 g every six hours.

Severe staph infections are treated by injection.

In this case preference is given to:

• cephalosporins (Cefazolin, Cefuroxime, Cefalexin) in combination with Clindamycin,
• protected penicillins – Amoxiclav, Salbactum + Ampicillin, Nafcillin.

Folk remedies

Affected oral mucosa and painful sores can be treated with various decoctions:

1. St. After 30 minutes, the solution is filtered and used twice a day, one glass each.
2. A decoction of chamomile is used to rinse the mouth. To prepare it, 2 teaspoons of crushed flowers are poured with a glass of boiling water and simmered for five minutes in a water bath. Use filtered warm solution.
3. Calendula decoction after boiling for 10 minutes in a water bath should stand for about an hour. After that, it can be strained and used as a mouthwash. A decoction is prepared from 1 teaspoon of raw materials and a glass of boiling water.
4. Burdock and comfrey. Traditional healers note the antibacterial effect of burdock and use it both fresh, applied to wounds, and as decoctions. A mixture of comfrey and burdock (1:1) is poured with boiling water and infused in a tightly closed container for twenty minutes. It is taken until complete recovery three times a day.
5. Decoction for raising immunity. From wild rosemary, yarrow, succession, thyme and birch buds, a mixture is prepared, which is poured with boiling water and infused for two hours. Each raw material must be taken 1 tablespoon. You can apply several times a day for half a cup.
6. A decoction of burdock and echinacea can be used to prevent and strengthen the body’s defenses against staphylococcus aureus. This decoction should be drunk one glass three times a day.

See also: Candidiasis in the throat

Treatment with Chlorophyllipt solution

Staphylococcus in the mouth can be treated with an oily or alcohol solution of Chlorophyllipt. It has an antimicrobial effect, destroys pathogens, relieves inflammation.

It can be used even by small children, because it is a natural preparation that is obtained from eucalyptus leaves.

If it is necessary to rinse the mouth with an adult solution, then the mucous membranes of children can be lubricated with a cotton swab dipped in the preparation.

It is recommended to strengthen the body with fresh berries. Black currants and apricots work well for this.

They should be eaten daily at 100 and 500 grams, respectively. Tea or rosehip infusion perfectly raises the body’s defenses.

Treatment of pregnant women and children

Since one of the causes of staphylococcus aureus in the mouth is a weak immune system, pregnant women and young children are most susceptible to this infection.

However, their treatment is limited, as the use of antibiotics can be harmful to health.

Treatment of staphylococci should only be prescribed by the attending physician. Most often, for pregnant women and children, therapy consists in proper nutrition, the use of folk remedies in the form of infusions and rinses, and the use of bacteriophages.

Staphylococcus in the mouth prevention

To reduce the likelihood of occurrence or development of the disease, you must follow the basic rules:

1. Always wash your hands thoroughly after contact with other people and visiting the street.
2. Disinfect all cuts and wounds with brilliant green.
3. Restore immunity after taking antibiotics.
4. Monitor compliance with sanitary standards and nutrition.
5. Dress for the weather.
6. Lead a healthy lifestyle.

Today, medicine has a large number of drugs that can cure staphylococcus in the mouth. However, if left untreated for a long time, serious deviations are possible.

Therefore, at the first symptoms of an infection, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will diagnose and prescribe the correct individual therapy.

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The most commonly reported childhood infectious disease is staphylococcus aureus. Treatment of this infection is carried out on the basis of our SANMEDEKSPERT clinic.

What is Staphylococcus aureus

These are bacteria of the Staphylococcaceae family that attack various organs and systems of the body. The most common staphylococcus aureus in children. The infection enters the body by airborne droplets, through contacts and when using contaminated products.

One of the following three bacterial species is most commonly found in children:

• Saprophytic. The most rare species in babies. It overtakes the organs of the excretory system and is fraught with acute inflammation of the urethra and bladder. This is the most harmless species for babies that can be cured in a few days.
• Epidermal. It multiplies on the skin and mucous membranes. Leads to conjunctivitis, purulent urinary tract infections and complications after surgery. In the most severe cases, there are endocarditis and sepsis.
• Hemolytic. It makes itself felt by the development of purulent inflammation in the internal organs. If the child’s immunity is weakened and proper treatment is not provided, sepsis may develop.
• Golden. For humans, it is the most dangerous. It can affect almost all organs, causing severe purulent inflammation in them. Staphylococcus aureus is characterized by high pathogenicity and causes the formation of boils, catarrhal tonsillitis, etc.

It must be said that pathogenic cocci of these bacteria are not always dangerous for a child. An organism with a strong immune system can cope with them on its own. But for weakened children, staphylococcus threatens with ENT diseases, digestive disorders, damage to bone tissue, pustular skin inflammations, etc.

Symptoms

There are two forms of the disease – early and late. In the first case, symptoms of the disease appear within a day. In the second – only after 48-120 hours.

How staphylococcus is treated is determined by a pediatrician or infectious disease specialist when the following symptoms appear:

• pustules on the skin,
• furunculosis,
• rashes and pigmentation on the skin,
• stomatitis,
• conjunctivitis,
• temperature rise to 38°C,
• capriciousness,
• general weakness,
• decreased appetite,
• bad dream,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• abdominal pain,
• diarrhea.

In the worst cases, sepsis (general infection of the body) is possible.

Diagnosis of staphylococcus aureus

Naturally, it is impossible to make a diagnosis and determine the type of pathogen at home. Therefore, if you have a suspicion that a child has staphylococcus aureus, only a qualified doctor should correlate the symptoms and treatment with the diagnosis and prescribe. It is necessary to show the child to the pediatrician as soon as possible.

To diagnose a disease, a series of tests are ordered. It includes:

• blood serology,
• throat and nose swabs,
• urine or stool test,
• colon endoscopy (in case of colitis),
• laryngoscopy (if the infection has “descended” below the throat and affected the larynx).

PCR tests and analysis of the mother’s expressed breast milk may also be ordered.

Treatment of disease

Staphylococcal infection is difficult to treat, especially in children. The earlier the disease is detected, the more likely it is that the child will soon become healthy.

Therapy includes the following activities:

• Topical treatment. This is the treatment of rashes and pustules.
• Antibiotics. Staphylococcus is very adaptable and difficult to antibiotic therapy. Nevertheless, penicillin preparations are often prescribed.
• Lubrication, rinsing – this treatment is effective for staphylococcus aureus in the nose and throat.
• Vitamin and mineral complexes.
• Immunomodulators.
• Blood or plasma transfusions. They are prescribed in severe cases, with sepsis.
• Operation. In case of severe chronic angina, the tonsils are removed. The operation is also prescribed for multiple skin lesions with profuse inflammation and exudate.

Popular questions

What should be the diet for the treatment of staphylococcus aureus?

Answer: There is no special diet for staphylococcus, but it is recommended to consume more protein products (cottage cheese, curdled milk, kefir, eggs, boiled fish), vegetables, fruits, berries. Plentiful drinking, foods rich in vitamins A, B, C are shown. You can eat foods that increase appetite (fermented milk drinks, meat broths, tomato juice).

How long does the treatment take?

Answer: 10-14 days in uncomplicated cases.