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MRSA Treatment Complications

MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that is extremely resistant to most antibiotics, such as Vancomycin, Tetracycline, Methicillin, Penicillin and Ciprofloxin. Because of the wide use of antibiotics in the past few decades, more individuals contact MRSA in hospitals after they undergo invasive surgical procedures and have weakened immune systems. Treatments for MRSA are available, but complications from such treatments are growing increasingly common.

  1. MRSA Drugs

    • Some of the most common drugs prescribed to treat MRSA (which is extremely contagious) are those that belong to the drug class Streptogramins. These drugs (most commonly quinupristin/dalfopristin - aka Synercid) are used often these days to treat common antibiotic resistance to traditional penicillin and other often-prescribed antibiotics.

    Adverse Reactions/Complications to Streptogramins

    • One of the most commonly noted complications of using Streptogramins in the treatment of MRSA are complaints of muscle aches and fatigue and a general feeling of lethargy. More serious side effects may involve chest pain and diarrhea, which is sometimes bloody. Those diagnosed with any type of liver disease may experience heightened risks that may affect liver function.

    Adverse Reactions/Complications to Linezolid

    • Linezolid, also known as Zyvox, is another antibiotic that is often used to treat MRSA, but it too may cause adverse reactions and complications. In some cases, a condition known as pancytopenia (a shortage of white and red blood cells and platelets) may occur. Another complication that may result from treatment with linezolid is myelosupression, a decrease of bone marrow activity. Other complications may include anemia and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).

    Causes of MRSA

    • MRSA used to be known as a nosocomial infection, which is defined as a bacterial infection commonly contracted in hospitals following invasive surgery. However, these days see more patients arriving in emergency rooms with the condition already present. Most commonly, the condition presents in skin and other soft tissue infections.

    Future Treatments for MRSA

    • Photomedicine, or light therapy, is a potential alternative to treatment of drug-resistant MRSA bacteria. Natural alternatives to antibiotic treatments include essential or nonvolatile oils isolated from woody plant materials.

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