Resolved question:
I had 3 different types of Staff infections in my blood stream 10 years ago as a result of a construction related accident. I was treated with an intense cocktail of antibiotics and obviously survived the ordeal. I have had (over the last two years) periodic bouts of infection related symptoms (fast heart rate, low Blood pressure). Each time the hospital has said it appears I have "some kind of infection" so they give me antibiotics and I get well, until the next time.
My question is, can a Staff infection become dormant in the body after being treated with antibiotics only to flare up again at a later date?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for asking your query at DoctorSpring.
Consult reply by Dr.Deepu Sebin Sebastian MD (Fellow in Infectious and Tropical Disease)
No, usually Staph infections do not become dormant to get reactivated at later stage. However some bacteria can remain in certain locations like heart valves , bones etc and cause continued infection. In that case you will have continued symptoms.
I recommend these steps :
1. If you happen to get similar symptoms / infections make sure you are getting evaluated thoroughly (Get the following details - what kind of infection, site of infection, response to antibiotic, culture and sensitivity results to know whether there is resistance )
2. Basic tests to rule out any hidden focus of infection - General Physical examination, Xray of bone, Echocardiogram and other tests if required
3. Make sure you are having any immune suppressing condition (Diabetes is one example). In that case you can get recurrent infection. So screen for Diabetes and HIV for now.
Hope this helps
Please feel free to ask followup questions / clarifications.