MRSA Intestinal Infection

MRSA, which stands for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, is a bacterium that causes what is commonly known as a staph infection. MRSA was first found in 1961, just 2 years after the antibiotic methicillin was created to battle other bacterial infections.

Signs & Symptoms of MRSA

• Most MRSA infections are skin infections that are very visible to the human eye. Boils, abscesses, and sties can all be symptoms of MRSA. Carbuncles, as well as impetigo are also signs of MRSA.

How is MRSA transmitted

• There are two main ways to transmit MRSA infections. The first is to make contact with an object that has MRSA on its surface. The other way is to come into physical contact with someone already infected.

How is MRSA prevented

• The easiest way to avoid MRSA infection is to use good hygiene practices such as washing your hands often and bathing daily. Covering any cuts or scratches also works to prevent MRSA.

How is MRSA diagnosed

• The first step in diagnosing MRSA is to take a blood sample or tissue sample of a blister or other skin lesion. If S. aureus is found in the samples, the sample is then exposed to several different antibiotics including methicillin. If the sample appears resistant to methicillin it is determined to be MRSA.

How is MRSA treated

• While MRSA is resistant to methicillin, there are antibiotics that will kill this particular bacterium. Vancomycin or linezolid along with or in combination with other antibiotics will beat the MRSA infection.