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Methicillin-Resistant Staph Urinary Tract Infections

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus may be referred to as MRSA. Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria live on the skin of most people and can cause an infection when the bacteria enter the body through a cut or through a catheter tube. MRSA can lead to pneumonia, blood infections and urinary tract infections.

  1. Significance

    • Physicians refer to this strain of staph bacteria as methicillin-resistant because the drug known as methicillin does not effectively treat MRSA infections. Methicillin does, however, treat most other staph infections. MRSA typically affects elderly adults or ill people. Also, those individuals who have taken antibiotics often or for a long period of time may also be more susceptible.

    Effects

    • Symptoms of a MRSA infection may include fever, headache and lethargy. When the infection affects the urinary tract, symptoms may include continual need to urinate, burning feeling when urinating, smelly urine, pink or dark-colored urine and pain. Pain in women usually occurs in the pelvic area whereas in men it may be felt in the rectal area. If the infection affects the kidneys, pain may be felt in the upper back and side area. Also, nausea and vomiting may accompany a kidney infection.

    Time Frame

    • MRSA infections vary in length. An infection may reoccur if not treated effectively. Infections may result in permanent complications such as kidney damage when not treated properly.

    Considerations

    • The Mayo Clinic explains that individuals with a MRSA urinary tract infection can help to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract by drinking lots of water. Also, those with a urinary tract infection should avoid drinking alcohol, soft drinks with citrus juice and any drinks with caffeine such as coffee and tea because these drinks may further irritate the bladder and increase the bothersome urge to urinate frequently. Individuals with a MRSA bladder infection may find that applying a warm heating pad to the abdominal area with help minimize discomfort.

    Treatments

    • MRSA does not respond well to antibiotics; however, physicians typically try several rounds of strong antibiotics in order to treat the condition. According to the North Dakota Department of Health, amoxicillin, ampicillin and nitrofurantoin effectively treat MRSA urinary tract infections. Also, if the patient has a catheter, removal of the catheter may help to clear up the infection.

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