An acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection market (ABSSSI) is a common bacterial infection that involves the skin and the tissues below it. ABSSSIs typically occur after break in the skin due to minor cuts or scratches. If not treated promptly with antibiotics, these infections can spread deeper into tissues and even become life-threatening. In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of ABSSSIs including symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options.
Causes
ABSSSIs are usually caused by bacteria that normally live on the skin such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria can easily enter the body through any break in the skin like cuts, burns, insect bites or boils. S. aureus is one of the most common causes and is estimated to cause around 80% of all ABSSSIs. Risk factors like diabetes, obesity, smoking make people more prone to S. aureus infections. Poor hygiene and sharing of personal items can also aid in the transmission of bacteria from one person to another.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of ABSSSI include pain, swelling, warmth, redness and tenderness around the affected area of skin. The person may also experience fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes in the vicinity. Depending on the severity, symptoms can range from minor skin inflammation to deep tissue infections needing surgical drainage. Serious cases can lead to sepsis if left untreated. It is important to see a doctor if symptoms do not improve with simple wound care in a few days.
Diagnosis
To diagnose an ABSSSI, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination of the infected skin area. The signs on skin like measurements of spread, drainage, warmth, redness helps identify the severity and type of infection. Laboratory tests of wound samples are done by scraping or swabbing the infected skin. The samples are sent to microbiology laboratory for tests like gram stain, culture and sensitivity testing to identify the causative bacterium. These lab tests help determine the most effective antibiotic treatment. Imaging tests like ultrasound may be required in some cases to see spread into deeper tissues.
Treatment
Most mild ABSSSIs can be treated with oral antibiotics alone. However, moderately severe to severe infections often require hospitalization and intravenous (IV) administration of antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic depends on the identified or suspected causative bacterium. For infections caused by MSSA (Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus), a first-generation cephalosporin like cephalexin or an anti-staphylococcal penicillin like dicloxacillin is recommended. For MRSA (Methicillin-resistant S. aureus) induced ABSSSIs, newer antibiotics like linezolid, daptomycin, tedizolid are prescribed. Along with antibiotics, proper wound care including cleaning, drainage of pus and keeping the area dry and covered is also very important. In some cases, minor surgical drainage or debridement of infected tissues may be needed.
Risk Factors
Patients with conditions weakening their immune system are at highest risk of developing ABSSSIs. This includes diabetes, obesity, alcoholism, intravenous drug use, HIV/AIDS, cancers on chemotherapy. Additionally, those who have had recent hospitalization or surgery, chronic skin conditions, and poor hygiene are also predisposed to ABSSSIs. People living in crowded places like homeless shelters, military barracks are at increased risk due to person-to-person transmission of infections. It is very important for high-risk patients to watch for any signs of infection and see a doctor promptly.
Prevention
Proper skin hygiene forms the mainstay of prevention against ABSSSIs. This includes regularly washing hands with soap, keeping wounds clean and covered with a dry bandage, wearing gloves while gardening. Good control of conditions like diabetes and prompt treatment of skin boils, pimples or wounds can prevent serious infections. Avoiding sharing personal items like towels and razors reduces transmission. Use of antibiotics only when really needed can help control antibiotic resistance. Annual flu shots and getting vaccinated against Streptococcus pneumoniae can prevent some infections in at-risk groups.
Conclusion
In summary, ABSSSIs are common bacterial infections of skin that occur due to a break in the skin barrier. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antibiotics can cure most mild to moderate infections. However, high-risk patients may require hospital care. Adopting proper hygiene and prevention measures can go a long way in reducing ABSSSIs, especially in those with weak immunity. With growing antibiotic resistance, new treatment options continue to evolve for difficult-to-treat ABSSSIs. Further research aims to design better preventive strategies.