Staphylococcus aureus infections up in Vic, WA

Research shows that the rate of staph infections is on the rise in Victoria and Western Australia, with men and older Australians being more likely to be victims.

Experts at the Doherty Institute found that the number of blood infections of Staphylococcus aureus contracted in the community had increased between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2016.

"The incidence in each state has increased dramatically over the study period: 8% per year in Victoria and 6% per year in Washington," according to the research letter published online by the Medical Journal of Australia.

The study found that a total of 10,320 staph infections were reported during the period, the majority in Victoria (7262) and 3058 in Western Australia.

About 66% of these cases were contracted in the community and not in hospitals.

The rate of staphylococcus aureus infections badociated with the community is also higher among the elderly and men, especially the over 60s.

Men were about twice as likely as women of the same age to contract the infection.

"It should be noted that residents of senior care facilities have been identified as particularly at risk," the study said.

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium on the skin or in the nose and can cause infections when it enters the body through a cut.

The research is based on data collected from 93 public hospitals in Victoria and 58 hospitals in Western Australia during the reporting period.