Staphylococcus Aureus Urinary Tract Infection

According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, urinary tract infections are the second most common infection in the body accounting for 8.3 million doctor visits per year. A Staphylococcus aureus urinary tract infection can occur in the urethra, bladder or kidneys and is caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Treatment consists of an antibiotic given over a period of several days.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a Staphylococcus aureus urinary tract infection vary depending upon which part of the urinary system is involved. If the infection is in the bladder, the symptoms will include pressure in the pelvic region, lower abdominal pain and a low grade fever. If the infection is in the urethra, the symptom will be burning with urination. When the infection is in the kidneys, symptoms will include back and side pain, high fever, shaking and chills, nausea and possibly vomiting. Whenever you are having symptoms of a urinary tract infection, see your physician.

Risk Factors

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According to the Mayo Clinic, 50 percent of all females will develop a urinary tract infection at some point in their life. Risk factors besides being a female include use of a diaphragm for birth control, as well as frequent catheter use. In addition, people with diabetes or compromised immune systems are also at a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Another risk factor is an enlarged prostate gland or kidney stones. If you do not seek treatment for a urinary tract infection, a kidney infection or permanent damage to the kidneys can occur.

Treatment - Medical

Treatment for Staphylococcus aureus urinary tract infection should include taking your prescribed antibiotic as directed. Antibiotic usage is personalized to the bacteria that is causing the infection. According to the Health Sciences Center at Stony Brook, 85 percent of urinary tract infections are caused by the E Coli bacteria; 10 percent are caused by the Klebsiella, Procteus, Pseudomonas, or Enterobacter; and less than 5 percent are caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, enterococcus or chlamydia. Antibiotics that fight the Staphylococcus aureus urinary tract infection include nafcillin, vancomycin, cefazolin, clindamycin, dicloxacillian or trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. For severe cases of urinary tract infection, hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics is required.

Treatment - Homecare

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Homecare for treatment of a Staphylococcus aureus urinary tract infection should include rest. Use a heating pad on your abdomen for pain. Also drink plenty of water to flush out the bacteria.

How to Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections can be very uncomfortable, but there are some measures you can take to prevent them. After urinating or defecating, wipe front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra. Also drink plenty of fluids including cranberry juice, and avoid products such as douches and feminine sprays.