How Can Staph Cause a Lung Infection?
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Initial Infection
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Staph infections of the lungs are quite rare relative to the other types of staph infection. The cause of almost all staph infections, including staph lung infections, is a bacterium named Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus or S. aureus can live on human skin and in the nose, forming what are called colonies. By themselves, these colonies do not represent an infection. Infection typically takes place when the skin has been compromised by injury, such as an abrasion, cut or burn, allowing S. aureus a foothold in the body. In an otherwise healthy body, these infections tend to be minor in nature and the body can cope with the infection itself or with the assistance of antibiotics. Problems, such as S. aureus lung infections, tend to arise in those with bodies that are otherwise not healthy.
Compromised Systems
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In some cases, S. aureus can get into the bloodstream and cause a significant infection. This type of infection is most likely to occur in a hospital setting. Post-operative patients and those with severely compromised immune systems (patients suffering from an autoimmune condition, for example) are at the greatest risk. Their systems are already compromised and the least able to effectively mount an immune defense. Staph infections of the blood can be acquired from catheters and IVs that can carry the bacterium into the body or provide an access point directly into the bloodstream. Unfortunately, hospitals also host the most resistant strains of S. aureus, usually called Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), making treatment difficult. Once the bacterium is in the bloodstream, it is carried to every part of the body, including the lungs.
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Staphylococcus Pneumonia
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The most common type of staph lung infection is Staphylococcus pneumonia. The symptoms can include swelling, inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs. In severe cases, the S. aureus pneumonia can even lead to the development of abscesses in the lungs. Predominately, those that develop S. aureus pneumonia already suffered from a previously existing lung condition or lung damage, increasing susceptibility to the infection.
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