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Long-Term Effects of MRSA Infection

According to the Mayo Clinic, MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, is a staph infection that is resistant to common antibiotics. It begins as red bumps on the skin and can make its way inside the body to the organs, blood and bones. Complications from MRSA can cause long-term problems.

  1. Sepsis

    • MRSA can infect the blood causing sepsis (blood poisoning), which can lead to brain and kidney damage.

    Cellulitis

    • MRSA can cause cellulitis, an inflammation of the connective tissue under the skin, and possibly lead to gangrene. Gangrene causes tissue death, scarring, and may result in the loss of the affected body part.

    Meningitis

    • Meningitis can result from MRSA-caused cellulitis on the face. Some long-term effects of meningitis are brain damage, hearing loss and blindness.

    Heart Problems

    • Inflammation of the heart is a concern with MRSA. This can lead to infection of the heart valves and long-term heart problems.

    Toxic Shock

    • MRSA can cause toxic shock syndrome, leading to long-term damage of the kidneys, heart and liver.

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