Skin Infections Caused by Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen involved in skin infections worldwide, regardless of the patient's age, the climate or geographical area. The main skin clinical manifestations can be linked to a few toxins produced by the bacteria, which give rise to a rich and varied clinical spectrum. Panton Valentine leucocidin, exfoliatins, enterotoxins and toxin shock syndrome toxin 1 are the main toxins involved in most dermatological manifestations associated with S. aureus. Other less frequent cutaneous manifestations can occur in endocarditis, bacteraemia. Currently, the most important event is worldwide emergence of community-acquired S. aureus resistant to methicillin (CA-MRSA), mainly causing skin infections.

Keywords: abscess; bacterial skin infections; cellulitis; furuncle; staphylococcus aureus; skin infections.

Fig. 1

Different clinical presentations of impetigo: a), large dry erosive plaque on adbomen; b) crusted and oozing erosions on the lower limb; c) bullous and oozing erosive lesions on abdomen; d) multiple dry erosions of the hand.

Fig. 2

Sycosis barbae.

Fig. 3

Furuncle.

Fig. 4

Primary abscess.

Fig. 5

Lymphangitis.

Fig. 6

Thrombophlebitis from catheter site.

Fig. 7

Erythema of toxic shock syndrome.

Fig. 8

Distal desquamation after toxic shock syndrome.

Fig. 9

Purpura during endocarditis.