MSRA Staph Infections

Staph bacteria are very common and actually live on your skin. Usually, they are harmless. However, every once in a while the staph bacteria will attack your body and become an infection. Staph infections are usually treated by taking antibiotics. MRSA, which stands for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, is any kind of staph infection that has developed immunity to the usual antibiotics. Infections such as this are sometimes referred to as "super bugs."

Adaptation

• These resistant bacteria develop because of the overuse of antibiotics. The bacteria are exposed to the antibiotic and begin to adapt so that they can survive. It is important to take antibiotics only when they are medically necessary. These medications are very successful at clearing up common infections like ear infections and urinary tract infections. However, when they are given for illnesses such as colds that don't require antibiotics, the bacteria that naturally live in your body develop a resistance.

Causes

• MRSA is spread in much the same way that common illnesses like colds and flu are spread. You generally get it by coming into physical contact with someone else who has it. MRSA can be spread on objects too, like cups, on telephones or anything else that might have been touched. Sometimes MRSA outbreaks can happen in a hospital setting, where contact with an infected person is likely. The bacteria can be spread through medical equipment like surgical tools. People with open wounds are at a higher risk for contracting the bacteria.

Symptoms

• MRSA infections can present themselves in different systems of the body, so the symptoms may vary. Pneumonia, coughing and wheezing could be a sign of respiratory MRSA. Many times, MRSA attacks the skin, especially wounds. Symptoms may be redness, rash and tender areas of skin that may have lesions on them.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• MRSA can be diagnosed by your doctor. He can take a sample either of a body fluid or any drainage from an infection site. The bacteria can be grown in a culture and analyzed. The doctor can test different antibiotics on the bacteria until he finds the right one that will kill it. Oral or topical antibiotics can be prescribed for mild or moderate infections. More severe cases might involve hospitalization and taking antibiotics intravenously. Some mild cases of MRSA don't need antibiotics at all. The wound can be cleaned and covered and the infection may go away on its own.

Prevention

• Preventing MRSA infections comes down to practicing good hygiene. Frequent hand-washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. Wounds should always be properly disinfected and covered to protect them from bacteria. Also, practice safety when it comes to antibiotics. Even if you start feeling better before your pills are done, make sure you take the entire dose. Otherwise, remaining bacteria may have a chance to develop a resistance to the antibiotics.