METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA)

 Basic information

description

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria infection. Usually, it is a mild type of skin infection. Its name comes from the fact that drugs such as methicillin and similar antibiotics are not effective in treating it. MRSA can affect people of all ages.
• MRSA infections occur often in healthcare settings (e.g., a hospital), and are called healthcare-associated MRSA, or HA-MRSA. Community-associated MRSA, or CA-MRSA occurs in people in the wider community.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Small bump(s) on the skin; may be red, swollen, painful, or warm to the touch; and look like a spider or insect bite. They may contain pus (e.g., boil or abscess).
• Rarely, infection may spread to other areas of skin or to other body parts. Serious symptoms can occur: fever, chills, low blood pressure, joint pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, and rash over most of the body.

causes

• Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus or staph). It is a common type of bacteria (or germ). The germs live on the skin or in the nose of many healthy people. They are called colonized or carriers. Most often, these germs cause no harm. If they enter the skin by way of a cut, scrape, or other skin flaw, an infection can develop.
• MRSA germs are spread by physical contact with someone who is either infected or is a carrier. Germs are also spread by physical contact of objects touched by an infected person or carrier. Objects may include towels, doorknobs, floors, athletic gear, or personal items. Germs can live on some surfaces for hours, days, or even months. Outbreaks of CA-MRSA can occur in places such as schools, gyms, military barracks, dorms, daycare centers, or prisons.

risk increases with

• HA-MRSA—older adults, hospital care, living in long-term care facility, recent antibiotic use, weak immune system, or invasive device (e.g., catheter).
• CA-MRSA—young age, skin injury, contact sports, sharing towels or athletic gear, weak immune system, close contact with health care workers, and living in crowded (e.g., barracks) or unclean home.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• In health care settings—follow preventive guidelines.
• In community settings (these are basic steps)—always practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often or use a hand sanitizer. Don't share personal items or towels. Wash athletic clothes and gear after use. Keep your cuts or wounds covered. Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.

expected outcomes

• A healthy person with a mild infection can be easily treated. In some people, an MRSA infection may recur.
• With a severe infection, it depends on the health of the patient and the complications.

possible complications

Severe MRSA can lead to pneumonia and other serious heart, blood, joint, and skin problems. It could be fatal.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will examine the infected area of skin. Lab culture studies are usually done (e.g., of pus). Studies can confirm the bacteria causing the infection is staph and if it is MRSA. Culture results take 48 to 72 hours. A rapid blood test (takes 2 hours) for MRSA is also being used.
• Treatment will depend on the symptoms.
• Mild skin infections are often treated in a medical office. This is done by draining a boil or abscess. You will be advised about follow-up home care of the wound and how to prevent spreading an infection. In most cases, antibiotic drugs are prescribed.
• Patients with more serious MRSA symptoms often require hospital care and extensive therapy.

medications

You may be prescribed antibiotic drugs. These are taken by mouth (oral). Take them for as long as directed even if skin symptoms improve in a few days.

activity

• For mild infections, continue regular activities unless otherwise directed.
• Athletes with MRSA should ask their health care provider and their coaches about sports participation.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has a skin infection.
• Symptoms worsen or don't improve with treatment.
• You are concerned about an MRSA outbreak in your community that might affect you or a family member.

Special Notes: