Download Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Patient Information :
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
MRSA (“Superbug”) has now emerged as a major cause of hospital-associated and
community-associated infection.
What is Staphylococcus (“Staph”) or MRSA ?
● Staphylococcus aureus (Staph aureus or “Staph”) is a bacterium that is carried on the
skin or in the nose of one third of the population.
● If you have “Staph” on your skin or in your nose, but are not sick, you are said to be
“colonized” (also called a “carrier”) but not infected with “Staph”. However you can pass the
bacteria to others.
● When the skin is damaged (a cut or a wound), “Staph” can enter the body and cause a
wide range of problems, from mild skin infections to severe, life threatening illnesses,
especially in people who are ill or have weakened immune systems.
● In the past, “Staph” infections were treated with antibiotics derived from penicillin, such
as methicillin. Strains of “Staph” that can be treated with these antibiotics are called
methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, or MSSA.
● Unfortunately, some strains of “Staph” have become resistant to methicillin and other
penicillins. These strains are called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
● Previously, MRSA occurred only in people who were hospitalized or lived in a healthcare
facility (example, nursing home) (called hospital-associated or healthcare-associated
MRSA). In the 1990s, a type of MRSA began showing up in people who were not
hospitalized (called community-associated MRSA)
How serious are MRSA infections?
● Generally start as small red bumps that look like pimples or boils. These can turn into
abscesses or invade into the body causing potentially serious, life threatening infections in
surgical sites, blood, heart valves, lungs, bones and joints.
● MRSA infection can prolong hospital stay and increase medical cost
Who gets MRSA infections?
1. Main risk factors for Hospital-associated MRSA
● A current and recent hospitalization (especially for a prolonged period of time)
● Residing in a long-term care facility
● Recent use of antibiotics
● A weakened immune system due to a medical condition or its treatment
● Being in close proximity to people infected or colonized with MRSA
● Invasive devices such as people on hemodialysis, are catheterized, or have feeding tubes
Cellulitis and abscess
2. Main risk factors for Community-associated MRSA
● Participating in contact sports – The bacteria spread through cuts and abrasions and skinto skin contact with a person who has MRSA
● Sharing towels or athletic equipment
● Weakened immune system and comorbidities
● Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions
● Young age – CA-MRSA can be dangerous in children because their immune system are not
fully developed
● Illicit drug use
When to seek medical advice
● If wounds become infected
● Ask to have any skin infection tested for MRSA before starting antibiotic therapy.
How are MRSA infections treated?
● Certain antibiotics
● Infection or abscess may need to be drained
How do I keep MRSA from spreading
1. Prevention in the hospital
● People who are infected or colonized with MRSA are placed in isolation to prevent
the spread of MRSA to other patients and healthcare workers
● Visitors and healthcare workers are required to wear protective garments, when
taking care of patients with MRSA.
● Every one who is in contact with patients with MRSA should wash their hands or
use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after each patient contact.
2. Prevention in the community
● Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water. Rub wet hands and
soap for 15-30 seconds, paying special attention to fingernails, between the fingers
and the wrists. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a single use towel (example, paper
towels)
● Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a good alternative for disinfecting hands if soap
and water are not available.
● Keep cuts and scrapes clean, dry and covered until healed
● Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, clothing, brushes, combs and
makeup
● People who participate in team sports should shower after every
athletic activity using soap and clean towels
● People who use exercise machines at the gym should wipe the
equipment, including the hand grips, with alcohol-based solutions
before and after using it.
● Avoid athletic games or practices if you have a concerning
infection.
● If you have a skin infection that requires treatment, ask your
doctor if you should be tested for MRSA.
● Use antibiotic appropriately
Prepared by:
Suk-Yin Chan MD, M.Med. Sc
Infectious Disease/Internal Medicine
Meritcare Clinic/North Country Regional Hospital
Bemidji, MN
If you have any questions about your condition,
please ask your doctor.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa.html .