How to Know If You Are a Carrier of Mrsa

MRSA is a type of staphylococcus (called staph for short) bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics, such as penicillin and amoxicillin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that only 1 percent of the population is colonized with MRSA. Colonized means you have the bacteria in your body, but do not show signs of an infection. Simple screening can help you know if you are a carrier of MRSA.

Things You'll Need

• MRSA screening

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Instructions

• 1

  Recognize the signs of an MRSA infection. One way to know if you are a carrier is if you show outward signs. MRSA infections can begin as a simple pimple-like mark on your skin, according to the CDC, but may escalate to a more serious problem. Affected areas of the skin can become painful, red in color, swollen and may seep pus.

• 2

  Undergo a screening to know for sure if you are a carrier of MRSA. Your doctor will send you to a lab for a nasal swab screening. Your nasal secretions will be testing for staph bacteria. According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, you are a carrier of MRSA if your screening comes back positive.

• 3

  Ask your doctor about performing a "wound site culture" if you are concerned about a sore or boil that does not heal. Studying a sample from the wound can help your medical care provider determine if you are suffering from an MRSA infection.