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MRSA & Lung Treatment

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus (MRSA) is a potentially fatal infection resistant to the broad spectrum of antibiotics used to treat infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because of the resistance to many drugs, it is difficult to treat. Lung infection from MRSA often happens in hospitals, as the risk of infection is greater because of exposure to other patients, health care workers and the instruments used. Also, the patient in the hospital already has a weakened immune system from the existing illness, according to SymptomsMRSA.com.

  1. The Immune System

    • When MRSA spreads to the lungs, it can cause a severe case of pneumonia that must be treated immediately. Because of its resistance to antibiotics, the best defense may be the immune system itself in many cases. Supplements to help boost the immune system may be administered, but the body can often be on its own.

    Vancomycin

    • In patients who are diagnosed with MRSA an antibiotic called vancomycin hydrochloride has shown promise in treating resistant strains, according to SymptomsMRSA.com.

      The drug is administered intravenously under supervision of a physician. It does not last long in the system and is rushed into the system to begin fighting the infection. Additionally, the antibiotic's usage is closely controlled to prevent overuse and adaptation by resistant strains. According to Drugs.com, some hospitals have already seen MRSA strains that have become resistant to vancomycin as well.

    Linezolid

    • A new class of antibiotics known as oxazolidinones includes a drug called Linezolid that is effective in treating MRSA strains that are resistant to vancomycin. According to Johns Hopkins, Linezolid is successful against nearly all bacteria resistant to other forms of antibiotics.

      A study by Johns Hopkins showed that patients with pneumonia caused by MRSA had much better survival and cure rates than those treated with vancomycin. Since there is limited scientific data on Linezolid, it is typically used when a resistance to the more established vancomycin appears ineffective.

    Other MRSA Treatment

    • Depending on the exact nature of the MRSA infection, other drugs or remedies may be used to kill the bacteria. An antibiotic called daptomycin is often used to fight MRSA infection in the skin and underlying tissues. Wounds infected with MRSA can sometimes be helped by the use of honey, tea tree oil or garlic, according to MRSA Watch.

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