infectious diseases
Staphylococcal Infections
Key Points
Staphylococcus aureusis the most dangerous staphylococcal species. Most staphylococcal diseases involve direct tissue invasion and cause skin and soft-tissue infections, IV catheter infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. Some strains produce a toxin that can cause toxic shock syndrome, scalded skin syndrome, or food poisoning. Methicillin-resistant strains are common, andvancomycinresistance is appearing in the United States. Antibiotic choice depends on source and location of infection and community or institutional resistance patterns. 