Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a type of bacteria found on people’s skin which are usually harmless, but can cause serious infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are genetically different from other strains of S. aureus and can cause staphylococcal infection that is difficult to treat because it has acquired the resistance to some antibiotics through natural selection or horizontal gene transfer. MRSA is especially common is hospitals, healthcare facilities, and nursing homes. However, it can also spread in places you live, work, or go to school.

Fig. 1: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Bacteria. Scanning electron micrograph of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, brown) surrounded by cellular debris.

In most cases, MRSA causes skin infections, but in some cases it can also cause pneumonia and other infections. MRSA infections become severe if left untreated and cause sepsis. People in the hospital are especially vulnerable to MRSA due to open wounds and weakened immune systems. In hospitals, MRSA can cause problems such as bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or surgical site infections.

Signs and Symptoms

Initially, small red bumps that resemble pimples, spider bites or fever will appear on the skin. This may be accompanied by fever and/or rashes. The bumps will become larger and more painful, and will eventually become deep, pus-filled boils.

Fig. 2: Cutaneous abscess MRSA staphylococcus aureus 7826 lores

If you see these signs, seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider will be able to discern whether you have a staph infection or not. Refrain from touching the boils and cover the area with clean, dry bandages until you can see your healthcare provider. Clean your hands often.

Risk Factors

Anyone can get MRSA. However, people in these populations are at a higher risk:

• People who are frequently in crowded places, especially with shared equipment and skin-to-skin contact
• People who are immunocompromised and have weakened immune systems (HIV/AIDS, lupus, or cancer sufferers; transplant recipients; severe asthmatics; etc.)
• School children sharing sports and other equipment
• People staying or working in a health-care facility for an extended period of time
• People who spend time in coastal waters where MRSA is present, such as some beaches in Florida and the West Coast of the United States
• People who spend time in confined spaces with other people, including occupants of homeless shelters, college students living in dormitories, prison inmates, and military recruits in basic training

• People who receive inpatient medical care
• People who have had surgeries or medical devices implanted into their body

Prevention

In order to reduce the risk of MRSA infection:

• Clean hands often, and clean your body regularly, especially after exercise or after you've been in crowded areas.
• Keep cuts, scrapes, and wounds clean and covered.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors.
• Get care early if you think you might have an infection.

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