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Will Staph Infection Stay Dormant For Life In The Body?

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Posted on Sat, 22 Jun 2013
Question: Does a staph infection lay dormant in your body for life?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)
Hi and welcome to Healthcare magic.

Thank you for your query.

If you are talking about Staphylococcus aureus then yes, it can remain dormant for the entire life of an individual called a "carrier state". This is considered to be found in 20-30% people where Staph colonize skin, nasal cavity, throat or gastrointestinal system. Colonization means that there is no infection but such people can transmit Staph to others. When infection occurs( usually skin infection, pneumonia,arthritis and sepsis, wound infection) it must be treated by antibiotics.

Also, staph infections are found after open surgical procedures, in diabetics, elderly and immunocompromised people.

After treatment Staph can be eradicated from the body or remain dormant and this is not easily verified, but it isn't important because only infections must be treated. To prevent infections you should treat some underlying causes such as open wounds, diabetes, contact with infected people, other bacterial infections etc.

Wish you good health. If you have any question I ll be glad to help.

Regards,
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13888 Questions

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Will Staph Infection Stay Dormant For Life In The Body?

Hi and welcome to Healthcare magic.

Thank you for your query.

If you are talking about Staphylococcus aureus then yes, it can remain dormant for the entire life of an individual called a "carrier state". This is considered to be found in 20-30% people where Staph colonize skin, nasal cavity, throat or gastrointestinal system. Colonization means that there is no infection but such people can transmit Staph to others. When infection occurs( usually skin infection, pneumonia,arthritis and sepsis, wound infection) it must be treated by antibiotics.

Also, staph infections are found after open surgical procedures, in diabetics, elderly and immunocompromised people.

After treatment Staph can be eradicated from the body or remain dormant and this is not easily verified, but it isn't important because only infections must be treated. To prevent infections you should treat some underlying causes such as open wounds, diabetes, contact with infected people, other bacterial infections etc.

Wish you good health. If you have any question I ll be glad to help.

Regards,