Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections market (ABSSSIs) are common and potentially serious bacterial infections that involve the skin and tissues just below the skin. While often treated successfully with antibiotics, these infections have been on the rise in recent years and pose health risks if not properly diagnosed and managed. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ABSSSIs and why they represent an important public health issue.
Causes of ABSSSIs
ABSSSIs are caused by various types of bacteria that can enter through cuts or breaks in the skin. Common culprits include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, both of which live harmlessly on the skin surface of many individuals. However, when the skin barrier is broken through wounds, burns, boils or other skin lesions, these bacteria have an opportunity to infect deeper tissues. ABSSSIs are also more likely to occur when skin hygiene is poor, especially among those with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions like diabetes.
Spread in healthcare and community settings
S. aureus in particular has emerged as a notable cause of ABSSSI outbreaks in both healthcare and community settings. In hospitals and nursing homes, multi-drug resistant S. aureus strains like MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) can spread between patients via contact with contaminated healthcare workers or surfaces. Outside of healthcare facilities, outbreaks have occurred in gymnasiums, correctional facilities and military barracks where skin-to-skin contact is common. The rise of resistant bacterial strains makes ABSSSIs more difficult to treat effectively with antibiotics.
Symptoms of ABSSSIs
The signs and symptoms of ABSSSIs may include pain, swelling, warmth and redness in the infected area of skin. A pus or fluid-filled blister such as a boil is also common. In more severe cases, there may be fever, swollen lymph nodes and general feelings of illness as the body tries to fight the infection. ABSSSIs usually involve a localized area of skin but can potentially spread deeper without prompt treatment. Seeking medical care is important if symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen.
Diagnosis and treatment
To diagnose an ABSSSI, physicians will examine the infected skin area and obtain samples for lab tests to identify the bacterial cause. This involves culturing bacteria from wound drainage, pus or fluid. Once identified, the bacterium's sensitivity to various antibiotics is then determined to help guide selection of the most effective treatment. Mild cases may clear with warm compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers but antibiotics are usually required for deeper or more extensive infections. Outpatient oral antibiotics are often sufficient but some severe ABSSSIs necessitate hospitalization and IV antibiotics. Proper wound care is also advised until it has fully healed.
Public health concerns
As antibiotic-resistant bacteria emerge and spread more widely, their infections become more difficult and costly to treat. One economic analysis found the cost per ABSSSI case in the US more than doubled over 10 years to $16,000 due to the rise of MRSA. Complications and extended hospital stays further burden the healthcare system. The issues of asymptomatic carriage and easy transmission in settings like healthcare facilities make reducing spread challenging as well. Educating the public about hygiene practices and when to see a doctor for skin infections can help curb rates. However, new antibiotic research is also desperately needed to combat evolving drug resistance.
Conclusion
In summary, ABSSSIs resulting from common skin bacteria pose ongoing risks to public health. While treatment is available, their incidence continues rising partly due to multi-drug resistant strains. Concerted efforts are required across multiple sectors to curb spread, improve diagnosis and management, and develop novel antibiotics. With a collaborative approach, these potentially serious infections can be better addressed at both individual and population levels. Raising awareness about prevention and signs of ABSSSI through public health communications and doctor recommendations remains vital as well.
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