Definition of an MRSA Infection

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a troublesome bacteria strain that is resistant against broad spectrum penicillin antibiotics. The resistance makes it difficult to treat, and it can be especially deadly to those who have a compromised immune system. The bacteria is commonly called "staph," and the infection is usually obtained in a hospital setting. Staphylococcus aureus is normally found on the skin of humans, but compromised immune systems from surgery or illness create an opportunity for the bacteria to cause disease.

Symptoms

• Staphylococcus is located on the skin and causes infection after wounds open the tissue. The opened tissue is infected by the bacteria and cause skin rashes, bumps, cellulitis and inflammation. Common initial symptoms of a staph infection are very minor. The infection starts as bumps on the skin that look like small pimples. These can develop into abscesses or bacteremia, which can lead to heart valve destruction (endocarditis) or lung and joint damage.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors are generally from a compromised immune system. However, some other factors increase the chances of infection. Contact with people who heavily use antibiotics and have developed MRSA strains on the skin can transfer the bacteria to others, so contact sports where injuries are common is a risk factor. An unsanitary environment is also a risk factor since bacteria have a better breeding ground to mutate. Hospitals are common locations for infections. MRSA infections (called HA-MRSA when infection is in a hospital) are common after surgical procedures since the skin has been opened and wounds last for several days or weeks.

Diagnosis

• Tests are given to patients who are suspected to have an MRSA infection. Blood is taken and sent to a lab where the bacteria is cultured and tested for antibiotic resistance. The bacteria takes 48 hours to grow, so newer techniques to test for the actual bacterial DNA are under development.

Treatment

• Treatment is limited since the bacteria is highly resistant to common antibiotics. Treatment is usually a cycle of vancomycin, which is one of the most potent broad spectrum drugs. However, the bacteria may be resistant to this antibiotic, which can make the strain deadly. If the bacteria is contained within an abscess, the doctor may be able to remove the bacteria from the site of infection rather than use vancomycin.

Prevention

• Prevention from infection is effective through sanitary measures. Hospital workers should always wash their hands regularly to prevent the spread to other patients. When cuts or scrapes occur on the skin, wash the area and cover it with antibiotic topical agents. Keep the wounds covered until it closes. Additionally, keep living conditions sanitized with bleach. Use hot water to wash linens and laundry.