Mrsa

Skin | Allergy & Immunology | Mrsa (Disease)


Description

MRSA means methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The majority of MRSA infections are classified as CA-MRSA (community acquired) or HA-MRSA (hospital- or health-care-acquired).

The majority of CA-MRSA starts as skin infections; HA-MRSA can begin an infection of the skin, a wound (often a surgical site), or a location where medical devices are placed (catheters, IV lines, or other devices).

Cellulitis, abscess, or draining pus is often one of the first signs and symptoms of MRSA infections.

Causes and Risk factors

But staph can be a problem if it manages to get into the body, often through a cut. Once there, it can cause an infection. Usually, these are minor and dont need special treatment. Less often, staph can cause serious problems like infected wounds or pneumonia.

MRSA infections are transmitted from person to person by direct contact with the skin, clothing, or area (for example, sink, bench, bed, and utensil) that had recent physical contact with a MRSA-infected person.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Most MRSA infections are diagnosed by culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria isolated from an infected site; a PCR test is also available.

Currently, MRSA bacteria are almost always found to be resistant to multiple antibiotics. All isolated MRSA strains need to have antibiotic susceptibility determined to choose the correct or appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Treatment of HA-MRSA frequently involves the use of vancomycin, often in combination with other antibiotics given by IV; CA-MRSA can often be treated on an outpatient basis with specific oral or topical antibiotics, but some serious CA-MRSA infections (for example, pneumonia) often require appropriate antibiotics by IV. ...