Download Infection Control Service MRSA

Infection Control Service
MRSA
Introduction
This leaflet provides information about MRSA. MRSA is not new. It was first identified in the 1960`s
following the widespread use of antibiotics including methicillin
What Is MRSA?
MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Methicillin - is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacteria
Resistant - means that the methicillin has no effect on the bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus - is a bacterium that is found on the skin and in the nose of a third of the
population without causing harm
What Infections Does Staphylococcus Aureus Cause?
Usually, staphylococcus aureus causes no problems. If it does the infection is usually minor affecting
the skin, resulting in an abscess or boil. Staphylococcus aureus can be a problem to hospital patients
with deep wounds, catheters or drips which allow the bacteria to enter the body. This may result in an
infection which needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Why are we concerned about MRSA?
MRSA acts in exactly the same way as staphylococcus aureus and causes the same range of
infections. Staphylococcus aureus can be treated with antibiotics, but the most commonly used
antibiotics do not destroy MRSA because the bacterium has become resistant to these antibiotics.
How will I know if I have MRSA?
Patients colonised or carrying MRSA (this means that you have MRSA on your skin and/or in your
nostrils) do not have any symptoms or look or feel different. We will not know if you have MRSA until a
swab, sputum or urine sample has been taken and sent to the laboratory to be cultured.
MRSA infection
MRSA can cause an infection if it has an opportunity to enter the body.
It can cause local infections such as wound infections, chest or blood stream infections which may
cause signs and symptoms such as a high temperature. Many other bacteria can also cause these
signs and symptoms and blood tests are carried out to identify which bacteria.
Where does MRSA come from?
MRSA is spread from person to person by direct contact with skin; therefore regular hand washing by
carers is essential.
People who are more prone to MRSA are those who:
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Have damage to the skin
Have been in hospital for a long period of time
Have been taking antibiotics for some time
Are very ill and find it hard to fight infections
My swabs have come back positive for MRSA what will my treatment be?
You may be nursed in a single room. An anti-bacterial body wash will replace your usual soap; it is
used for your main wash in the morning whilst you are in hospital. This reduces the amount of MRSA
that you have on your skin and hair. A nasal ointment is applied to the inside of your nose; this reduces
the amount of MRSA that is present in the inside of your nose.
If you have a MRSA infection this may be treated with an antibiotic given through an intravenous line
(drip). (The laboratory will have carried out tests to identify the antibiotic suitable for MRSA).
Disposable gloves and aprons will be worn by health care workers caring for you.
Will MRSA harm my visitors?
Visiting can continue as normal as MRSA is not harmful to healthy family members or friends. However
if there is anyone with long term health problems please discuss this with the Nursing Staff.
Are there any precautions visitors should take?
All visitors should wash their hands or use the alcohol hand gel dispensers situated on the ward before
and after visiting, this will decontaminate your visitors hands.
Will MRSA stop my discharge home?
Having MRSA will not prevent or delay your discharge home. If you are discharged during a course of
treatment, the course of treatment can be completed at home.
Nursing and residential care
MRSA will not delay your discharge to nursing or residential care.
You may share a room as long as neither you nor the other resident has wounds, drips or catheters.
You may join other residents in communal areas such as sitting rooms or dining rooms.
What will happen if I am admitted to hospital again?
If you are admitted to hospital please inform your nurse and doctor that you have previously had
MRSA. In order to determine if you still have MRSA a set of swabs will be taken by the nursing staff.
You may be given a single room whilst awaiting the results of the swabs
How to contact us
If you have further questions about MRSA or Healthcare Associated Infections, please contact the
infection prevention and control team
Telephone: 01268 244649
Email:[email protected]
If you would like this information in Braille, large type, in another format or
in another language, please ask a member staff.