Definition of MRSA

According to the National Institutes of Health, MRSA refers to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and it was first identified by scientists in 1961. Staph infections are extremely common in the world, especially in hospitals, and approximately 30 percent of people have Staphylococcus aureus in or on their bodies, usually in the nose and on the skin. Originally, staph infections were relatively easily manageable, but with the MRSA strain, it has evolved into a very dangerous infection.

History

• MRSA was first identified by British scientists in 1961. The MRSA strain evolved into first a penicillin-resistant strain, and methicillin, a similar antibiotic, was used to counter this. In short order, however, staph evolved to resist methicillin as well, and MRSA was born. The first case identified in the United States occurred in 1968.

Transmission

• MRSA is almost universally contracted as a side effect of hospitalization, especially when the patient is immune-compromised in some way, and if invasive procedures are performed. Up to 1 percent of hospital stays are due to staph infections. MRSA contraction in a community setting is far less common, and it is generally a result of poor hygiene or untreated cuts and scrapes.

Diagnosis

• Doctors diagnose MRSA by taking a tissue sample or nasal swab and performing a culture, where the sample is bathed in nutrients and the resultant bacterial colonies are identified. This usually takes up to 48 hours, although faster tests are becoming available.

Treatment

• While MRSA is resistant to methicillin and penicillin, it can still be treated with a variety of antibiotic drugs, most commonly vancomycin. However, some MRSA strains are developing a resistance to this drug, and every drug can eventually become obsolete.

Prognosis

• Patients that contract pneumonia or blood poisoning from an MRSA infection have a high fatality rate, up to 20 percent. Mild infections are much more commonly controlled and almost universally treated effectively. Recurrence can be limited if proper hygiene is exercised.