Symptoms of MRSA in the Bloodstream

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterial infection caused by staphylococcus aureus bacteria. MRSA is not a common health issue, but it warrants special attention because of its tendency to invade the body quickly and cause extreme damage and death when left untreated.

Identification

• Once MRSA enters the bloodstream, the disease becomes increasingly life-threatening. On the outside, skin abscesses may increase in number. Internally, abscesses may form on the organs and elsewhere within the body. Blood poisoning or septicemia occurs once the blood infection sets in. The infection can trigger a drop in blood pressure, leading to organ failure and septic shock. Joint pain caused by septic arthritis is an indicator that MRSA is in the bloodstream. Infection can invade the bone marrow, leading to osteomyelitis. Meningitis results from infection of the tissues around the brain and spinal cord, which can be a direct result of MRSA in the bloodstream. The lungs may acquire the infection, causing pneumonia. Endocarditis or infection of the lining around the heart may occur. Lastly, the body may go into anaphylactic shock, which is the body's allergic reaction to its own MRSA-infected blood.

Effects

• The symptoms produced depend on where the MRSA spreads from the bloodstream. Severe blood poisoning can quickly lead to anaphylactic shock, which may result in coma or death. Pneumonia causes difficulty breathing, coughing and chest pain. Septic arthritis causes extreme pain in joints. Osteomyelitis causes deep bone pain body-wide. Heart abnormalities, chest pain or heart failure may result from endocarditis.

Prevention/Solution

• The spread of MRSA occurs by getting the bacteria on an open wound. Most of the time, this occurs in hospitals via IV sites, wounds or any other open skin. Thorough hand washing by anyone who treats the patient and avoidance of touching the open wounds by the patient reduce the risk of acquiring MRSA. Outside of the hospital, the same principles apply to prevent MRSA. Cover up wounds and don't touch them unless completely necessary, and in those cases only after washing your hands thoroughly. Vancomycin is an antibiotic that MRSA responds well to.

Misconceptions

• Most people will not have an issue with MRSA. Young adults who are healthy are at the lowest risk for acquiring MRSA. However, those with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly or infants, are at risk of developing MRSA. Even with the low chances of MRSA developing, everyone should be aware of the risks and the simple ways to keep the risk of MRSA development at a minimum.

Warning

• If an individual has any signs or symptoms of MRSA infection, it is imperative that he seeks medical treatment immediately. MRSA causes serious medical problems and may lead to death if left untreated.