Staph infections such food poisoning, boils, pneumonia, bone and blood infections, skin infections and toxic shock syndrome are triggered by staph or staphylococci. The staphylococcus aureus specifically is responsible for causing most human infections.
Antibiotics are used to cure staph infections by eliminating the bacteria. The chosen antibiotic and the dosage depends on the site of the location and the susceptibility of the bacteria to the drug.
Cephalexin and cefazolin
Among those who are allergic to penicillin, the cephalosporin drugs specifically cefazolin and cephalexin are substitutes to the penicillin-like antibiotics in managing staph infections. It is important to note that cefazolin is usually reserved for cases of severe infections which is administered intravenously.
Penicillin-like antibiotics
Due to the increasing cases of the staph infections that are already resistant to penicillin, the drug could no longer eliminate the bacteria. On the other hand, some strains can still be eliminated by penicillin-like antibiotics such as oxacillin, nafcillin and dicloxacillin.
The doctor will determine the ideal dosage and length of treatment based on the type of staph infection the individual is diagnosed with.
Vancomycin
The methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain that established resistance to all forms of penicillin including the modified types. The MRSA are usually resistant to the cephalosporin antibiotics as well.
The resistance to various antibiotics makes MRSA difficult to manage. The cases of community-acquired staph infections caused by MRSA strains are also increasing.
Vancomycin is the treatment of choice for severe cases of MRSA infections such as sepsis and pneumonia. Being admitted to a healthcare facility is required for severe cases of infections. Vancomycin is administered intravenously in such cases. Nevertheless, some strains also developed resistance to the antibiotic.
Tetracycline antibiotics
The tetracycline antibiotics which also includes minocycline, doxycycline and tetracycline are prescribed in managing skin and soft tissue infections by staphylococcus. The doctor will take a sample of the bacteria from the site of infection for testing. The test will determine if the causative bacteria are susceptible to elimination using the prescribed antibiotic.
Daptomycin and linezolid
Both daptomycin and linezolid are highly effective in managing serious cases of MRSA infections such as bone infections, pneumonia, severe skin infections and sepsis. The doctor will utilize these medications only if other antibiotics for MRSA are not effective.
Clindamycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and clindamycin are typically used in managing MRSA skin and soft tissue infections including skin abscesses, boils, cellulitis and impetigo. The oral approach is the preferred method and the doctor can determine the length of the treatment based on the form of infection present.