MRSA, or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, is a potentially deadly bacterial infection once only found in places like hospitals, nursing care facilities and prisons, where people tend to already have compromised immune systems. Typical healthcare related staph infections include surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.
Often referred to as a “superbug,” MRSA has been known by doctors and scientists since 1961, when it was first discovered in the United Kingdom. Since then its presence has been felt worldwide, with a marked increase in cases in the United States within the past ten years. Studies of MRSA infections in 2005 suggest there were more deaths related to the bacteria that year than there were from the AIDS virus.
MRSA is caused by the same staph bacteria commonly found on the skin or nose that is present in approximately one-third of the total population. Those who carry the bacteria without showing signs of infection are said to have been “colonized.” Even though they may be asymptomatic, it is possible for them to pass the disease on to others.
Staph bacteria generally enter the body through an open wound. In hospital settings, it may enter through an incision or catheter site. In the majority of healthy adults, the staph bacteria are harmless and only cause minor skin irritations. However, in those whose immune systems have been weakened or compromised, or those who are already ill, staph can become very serious and even life threatening in some cases.
The most serious strain, known as CA-MRSA or community-associated MRSA, began showing up in populous settings in the 1990’s. This is the strain responsible for the most serious illnesses, including skin and soft tissue infections.
Most recently, MRSA has been infecting an increasing number of persons who have undergone plastic surgery procedures such as facelifts. While the percentage of plastic surgery patients infected with MRSA is very small, the infection is now listed as a risk factor in all surgical procedures due to its growing prevalence.
Symptoms of MRSA
All staph infections generally begin with small red bumps that may be confused for pimples, spider bites, or boils. They can develop into abscesses that require draining. While the bacteria may remain on the skin, they can invade the body and cause serious infections in bones, joints, heart valves, lungs, and in the bloodstream. MRSA can lead to a particularly dangerous form of pneumonia.
Those most at risk of contracting MRSA include anyone requiring hospitalization, those residing in long-term care facilities, anyone recently treated with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin or levofloxacin, or those who regularly use invasive medical devices such as catheters, feeding tubes, or dialysis machines.
Risk factors for community-acquired MRSA include the participation in contact sports such as football, the sharing of athletic equipment or personal hygiene items, having a close association with those in health care professions, living in unsanitary or overly crowded conditions, having a weakened immune system, or being very young. MRSA can be particularly dangerous to children.
Preventing MRSA Infection
Make it your personal business to protect yourself and your family from MRSA infection by following good hygiene practices. Follow the basic rule of washing your hands frequently, do not share personal items, and keep open wounds covered with a dressing.
If you believe you have an infection, do not play organized sports, and be sure to shower immediately after all of your games.
Sanitize linens in hot water, particularly if you have an open wound, and limit your use of antibiotics. One of the risk factors contributing to the prevalence of MRSA is the overuse of antibiotics in our society.
