Recurring Staph Infections

[Kathleen88]

Hello,

For almost 4 years I've been getting chronic staph infections all over my body, from my eyelid to my thigh. Since first getting these infections, it seems as though my immune system is weak as I am constantly sick with every type of cold or illness being passed around.

I've also seen many specialists at home. The infection does not show up in blood tests, and I get it in unusual spots. Doctors that I have talked to are at a loss.

I believe that maybe I have some sort of underlying disorder that is weakening my immune system. Does this sound possible? Please help!

[JGF25]

Yes...I have been in my current job for 24 years.  Sorry to hijack your post Kathleen....I hope that you can take mkh9's recommendations and find your answer.  

[mkh9]

Sounds interesting. Do you like your job now?

Well, now Kathleen88 has two microbiologists helping her!
mkh9

[JGF25]

I worked in a hospital specimens lab for a while. Moved on to a quality control lab and from there to my current position running a lab where I'm pretty much considered a biochemist.

[mkh9]

Do you, what did you do with your degree? I was a clinical microbiologist for about 10 years and then did some research micro for about 8 years and a few years of biotech too. It has been interesting.
Mkh9

[JGF25]

I also have a microbiology degree.  Good luck Kathleen...I hope that you can get this figured out.  Take care.  

[mkh9]

Hi Kathleen88,
I have a few things to say after reading everything presented here. I am a microbiologist and understand a bit about bacteria. The statement made in the other post doesn't quite make sense. When you take an antibiotic it can put selective pressure on bacteria to become resistant but the Staph aureus you have is not resistant so apparently the antibiotics you took haven't  affected the staph you have by "selective pressure". However, it is possible the other bacteria in the intestines and elsewhere can possible have been affected.  Regarding the L form bacteria you mentioned. Well, is there any reason to believe you particularly have L forms (did they see these under the microscope?). In any case some say they infect immunosuppressed people such as those that had a bone marrow transplant and so forth. But L forms are still very controversial and under research. One things is if you are washing with soap too much you lower the amount of long chain fatty acids in the skin and lose part of the immune system that fights bacteria on the surface of the skin. Having a recurrence is not uncommon with S. aureus infections. It happens a lot. Anytime you scratch it starts over again. The recommendation for a nose carrier is to not treat it because taking too many antibiotics is going to cause more harm to you because you will end up with Clostridium difficile infection or some other problem. You may want to take probiotics at 10 billion organisms live bacteria with lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria and a variety of bacteria in pill form. A yogurt may not be good enough. Have  you also tried topical antibiotics? I'm sure you have. It doesn't sound like  you have gone to a doctor to check your IgG Immunoglubin A, and so forth. Had an immune panel done from an immunologist. Just the GP? You should still keep being diligent and it may pass. I would worry about getting it into a wound and your eyes etc. I'm so sorry you are going through all this. I would stop the antibiotics expect maybe topicals. Try Neosporin or Mupirocin. I think the Mupircin is a prescription though. Did the infection go down quite a lot after the diligent cleaning at the clinic? When the doctor said you had a great immune system did they just do a complete blood count? Do you know what tests they did? A staph aureus ear infection can be really bad. Do you have ear pain and/ or ear pressure? You really do need a good doctor taking care of you not a clinic. Let me know if there is anything else I can do.
mkh9

[JGF25]

When you take antibiotics for a long time you can select out for the bacteria that have actually become resistant to Cephlex.  You are a carrier though and it does make sense that you are reinfecting yourself because of this.  

As far as the doctors go, MRSA/MSSA really is nothing to sneeze at, and so if I were you, I would find another set of doctors.  Take all of my records, explain what happened with the other doctors, and tell them what you expect.  You want to find a reason why you keep getting reinfected and the fact that you are a nasal carrier may be the problem.  Did they swab you other places to see if you carried it there as well such as the groin?  

[Kathleen88]

I've had multiple tests done. First, I was referred to an infectious disease clinic. I did two weeks of decolonization (cleaning sheets and clothes daily, a nasal gel, and body and hair wash). I had the nasal gel because I tested positive for holding the bacteria in my nose. So, after the nasal gel, it's still there. What's also strange is I've never passed it on to anyone that I'm aware of.

I've been on over 13 rounds of antibiotics, about a year ago I stopped taking them because they weren't helping and were just making me feel more sick. I feel as though giving me more antibiotics that don't work is just building up my resistance.

As for my staph being resistant, it's not MRSA, it's MSSA. It tested to be sensitive to "Cephlex", which I've been on 3 times and the infection still is here. I also rarely ever get abscesses in moist places, which is why this infection is so puzzling to the specialists I've seen.

I had read a book about "L-Form" bacteria. It said that when antibiotics are taken too much the bacteria learn to adapt, and lay dormant in the organs until they are triggered. This would explain why the infection doesn't show up in my blood, and why I'm not more sick. My biggest struggle right now is finding a dr that is willing to do further testing, and not just wipe their hands clean and say "Sorry, this will just be your friend for life".

[Kathleen88]

I'm not sure, I've had my blood checked and the infection does not show up there. I saw my GP yesterday and inquired about it, and she (very condescendingly) told me that they're already tested my immune system and I'm a "very healthy person" as I currently have 2 staph infections, an ear infection, and a sinus infection. Time for a new GP? Yes, I think so.

[mkh9]

Yes, I agree to get your immune system checked first. I would go to an immunologist. But also regarding the Staph infections are these resistant Staph or do you know? You may want to see an infectious disease specialist and then they can refer you to an immunologist or even test you themselves.  Staph is very easily transmitted and also you can easily reinfect yourself. You need to be sure to wash all clothing blankets, towels, anything that has been in contact with it in hot soapy water. Clean all surfaces with 10% bleach or disinfectant, like countertops, door knobs, toilet handles, remote controls, water faucet knobs etc. Keep your sores covered, don't scratch or pick at them. I assume you have been on antibiotics a number of times or do you just use topicals? At this stage you need both. I am really glad you haven't had it get into your blood. Usually it gets in moist areas like under the arm pits , buttocks, skin folds etc. But it would be good to get your immune system checked to make sure you cover all bases. Are you going to a gym where you could be getting infected , or have a child who is infected or anything like that? I'll be glad to try to help with any questions or ideas.
take care,

[JGF25]

Has anyone checked to see if you have an immunodeficiency such as IGg immunodeficiency?