Skin is naturally colonized by various types of bacteria, most of which are harmless when skin is healthy. But when bacteria infiltrate the skin, an infection may need special treatment. MOST bacterial infections of the skin are caused by only two genera of bacteria:
- Staphylococcus: Including S.aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)
- Streptococcus: Including S. pyogenes (group A strep)
Some skin conditions caused by bacteria include:
- Folliculitis
- Impetigo
- Cellulitis
- Boils
- Leprosy
Ziehl-Neelsen stain for acid-fast bacteria (AFB): Demonstrates AFB (also known as mycobacteria) by staining the lipid cell walls a bright red.
Fite acid-fast stain for leprosy: Demonstrates the acid-fast organism Mycobacterium leprae by staining the cell walls a bright red.
Brown and Brenn Gram stain: Stains both cocci and bacilli and differentiates between gram-positive bacteria (purple) and gram-negative bacteria (reddish-pink).
