Download Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
AUDIENCE/PURPOSE
This definition is intended to inform to the general public about the dangers MRSA in
order to prevent further illness and deaths.
INTRODUCTION/DEFINITION
MRSA has become a major topic for healthcare professionals and public health officials in
the United States. It is estimated that approximately 19,000 people die of MRSA related
infections yearly in the United States, more than AIDS. MRSA is usually the major cause of
nosocomial infections but increasingly infections have turned up in non-healthcare settings such
as prisons, schools, and athletic facilities.
MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. (Figure
1) It is a dangerous and deadly strain of Staphylococcus bacteria that
causes insidious infections which are not effectively treated with first
line beta-lactams antibiotics because of MRSA's developed resistance
to the drugs’ mode of action. (CDC, 2008)
Figure1. MRSA cluster under
Scanning Electron Microscope
EXPANSION TECHNIQUES
Classification
MSRA strains are put into two distinct sub-categories, Community Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA)
and Hospital Acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA). (Mayo, 2008) CA-MRSA, as its name implies is
associated with infections caused by a strain of staph that was derived from more diverse S.
aureus populations than the better studied HA-MSRA strain. (Okuma K, et al., 40).It was found
that the Community Associated MRSA multiplied and spread from one person to another at a
faster pace, displayed a more enhanced virulence and caused an increased severity in illness than
the Healthcare Associated MRSA. CA-MRSA can affect vital organs and lead to sepsis, toxic shock
syndrome and necrotizing ("flesh-eating") pneumonia. (Okuma K, et al., 40).
Strains
The most common form of MRSA is now called MRSA252 (ST36:USA200), which circulates in
both England and the United States. It has been found to carry the SCCmec type II, enterotoxin A
and the toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 genes, all contributing to the severity of the illness caused
by this strain. (Okuma K, et al., 40).
Most CA-MRSA infections are caused by the CC8 strain ST8:USA300. It’s arsenal includes mec
type IV Panton-Valentine leukocidin, PSM-alpha and enterotoxins Q and K,[59] and ST8:USA400.
(Okuma K, et al., 40).
Operating Principle
Staphylococcus bacteria are normally found on the skin and nasal area as a relatively benign
organism. Over the years the staph bacteria has evolved and developed
resistance to commonly used antibiotics. (Mayo, 2008) This resistance was
perpetuated by unnecessary and inadequate human use of antibiotics that
has given the staph bacteria opportunities to mutate and optimize its
survival. MRSA is spread by direct skin to skin contact, the sharing of
personal items with an infected person or contact with contaminated
surfaces. (CDC, 2008) Infection begins when MRSA bacteria enters the
body through a cut or wound. Symptoms of MRSA infections initially
produce red pimple like boils accompanied with a fever which quickly turn
Figure 2 Weeping Lesion
into deep weeping abscesses as depicted in Figure 2. (PHIL, 2008) Infection
can penetrate the skin to other organs in the body creating life threatening
infections.
Process
Prevention
To combat HA-MRSA infection, one can ask hospital staff to wash hands, wash one’s own hands
and make sure that intravenous tubes and catheters are inserted under sterile conditions. For
CA-MRSA infection prevention washing hands frequently, uses of individual personal items,
sanitizing anything that comes into contact with an open sore, keeping wounds covered and
using antibiotics appropriately will all help to lower the chance of getting infected. (Mayo, 2008)
Treatment
Treatment includes drainage of superficial abscesses and the prescription of Vancomycin. (Mayo,
2008)
CONCLUSION/ACTION
If symptoms of MRSA infection is persists, cover wound with a bandage and go immediately to
an emergency department. (CDC, 2008)
Pictures Obtained from :
1. Figure 1.
Carr, Janice. Image 9994. 1998. "Public Health Image Library" (PHIL). Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention: National MRSA Education Initiative 12 September 2008
http://phil.cdc.gov/Phil/quicksearch.asp
2. Figure 2.
MRSA Photo ID#005. Public Health Image Library (PHIL). "National Education Initiative:
Preventing MRSA Skin Infections". Centers for Disease Control. 12 September 2008
http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/mrsa_initiative/skin_infection/mrsa_photo_005.html
3. MRSA Infection. 30 May 2008. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
Research. 15 September 2008
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735
4. MRSA Consumer Fact Sheet. 8 September 2008. “National MRSA Education Initiative:
Preventing MRSA infection”. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 12 September 2008.
http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/mrsa_initiative/skin_infection/PDF/GP/MRSA_ConsumerFactS
heet_F.pdf
5. Okuma K, Iwakawa K, Turnidge J, et al (2002). "Dissemination of new methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus clones in the community". J Clin Microbiol 40 (11): 4289–94.
doi:10.1128/JCM.40.11.4289-4294.2002. PMID 12409412.