Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

What is MRSA? MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that does not respond to some antibiotics that are commonly used to treat staph infections There are two types: 1. Community-aquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) 2. Hospital-aquired MRSA (HA-MRSA)

Causes & Incidence Staph Aureus is a common type of bacteria In one out of four healthy people, staph bacteria live on the skin or in the nasal passages, posing no harm HOWEVER if the staph bacteria enter a person’s body through a cut, sore, catheter or breathing tube, it may cause an infection

Risk HA-MRSA: - individuals with a compromised immune system, especially patients with respiratory illness and undergoing surgery CA-MRSA: - athletes - children in daycare - classroom contacts of an MRSA case - persons living in crowded areas - persons exposed to colonized pets, including veterinary workers - Persons with chronic skin conditions -Aboriginals -Having sex with multiple partners

Symptoms Signs of a skin infection: redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness of the skin (may look like a spider bite). Some people may develop boils, blisters, pustules or abscesses. The infection can cause a fever and/or chills. Complications: Pneumonia (chest pain, cough, shortness of breath and muscle aches)

Boils Folliculitis Impetigo Abscess

Signs and Tests Blood culture, Culture from the infected site Gram stain Culture of the drainage from the infection Sputum culture Urine culture

Treatment Draining the skin infection (local skin infection) Specific antibiotics such as Bactrim and Vancomycin If serious – fluids and medications given through a vein, kidney dialysis, oxygen therapy

Prevention Hand hygiene (contact precaution) Showering or washing after contact sports, gym use, or sex may reduce the risk of skin-to-skin transmission. Take antibiotics only as prescribed by a healthcare provider Use lotion to keep skin moist; damaged skin can provide an opening for infection. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered Clean and disinfect items that are shared before and after every use Avoid sharing personal items