MRSA infection is caused by a bacterium called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that has become resistant to many of the antibiotics used to treat staph infections.
Depending on the area infected, the symptoms may vary. Most MRSA infections are not severe, but some of them can endanger your life.
Introduction to MRSA infection
MRSA infection is caused by a kind of staph bacteria that has become resistant to most of the antibiotics we use to treat staph infections. These bacteria are naturally present in the nose and on the skin.
Usually, they do not harm you, but infection generally happens when there is a cut or break in the skin and in healthy people thet usually only cause minor skin problems . However , it is very contagious and can spread via direct contact with someone infected. A person can also contract it if they contact an object or surface that a person with MRSA has touched.
Antibiotic Resistance
MRSA is the result of years of often needless use of antibiotics. For many years, antibiotics have been prescribed for flu, colds and other viral infections that don’t respond to these drugs.
If MRSA infection happens to people in medical facilities like nursing homes and hospitals, it is called HA-MRSA, i.e., healthcare-associated MRSA. If MRSA infections get transmitted via personal contact with an infected person in the general community , it is called Community-Associated MRSA(CA-MRSA).
What are the Symptoms of MRSA infection?
MRSA infection starts as swollen, red, painful bumps that may appear to be pimples or spider bites. Your affected area might have the following :
- Rash
- Feel Warm to touch
- Swollen and painful bump
- Pus or drainage of other fluids in the infected area
- Fever
The bumps may worsen into deep, painful boils (abscesses) which needs surgical draining. Sometimes the bacteria may also burrow deep into the body, leading to potentially life-threatening infections in bones, surgical wounds, joints, heart valves the bloodstream, and lungs.
Risk factors for Hospital acquired MRSA
- Being hospitalized
- Having an invasive medical device
- Residing in a long-term care facility
Risk factors for Community Acquired MRSA
- Participating in contact sports: MRSA may spread easily through cuts and scrapes and skin-to-skin contact.
- Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions
- Men having sex with men
- Having HIV infection
- Using illicit injected drugs
When to See a Doctor
Watch out for any minor skin problems like cuts, pimples, scrapes, insect bites, etc., particularly in children. If the wound appears to be infected or you get a fever along with it, please consult your doctor.
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How Can You Prevent MRSA infection?
You can follow the measures given below to prevent MRSA infection:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water and always carry a sanitiser
- Keep your wounds covered, clean and dry
- Do not share your items like sheets, clothing, towels, athletic equipment, etc.
- Shower after athletic games or practices immediately
- Wash and sanitize your linen in case of a cut or sore
- Wear protective garments when visiting someone with MRSA infection
- Disinfect and clean rooms, surfaces, equipment, and laundry items of hospitals
What are the Treatment Options for MRSA infection?
Both health care-associated and community-associated strains of MRSA still respond to some antibiotics. Physicians may need to perform emergency surgery to drain large boils (abscesses), in addition to giving antibiotics.
Conclusion
A lot of people have MRSA bacteria living on their skin. But, in some cases , it can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening infections. While the symptoms and treatments are different for different types of MRSA infection, we all must practice prevention methods to stay safe. Wash your hands regularly, do not share personal items, and keep your wounds covered, clean, and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is MRSA infection diagnosed?
Your doctor will assess your medical history and do a physical examination. They will take the sample from the site of infection. The types of samples include wound cultures, sputum cultures, urine cultures, and blood cultures.
What are the complications related to MRSA infection?
MRSA infections can be life-threatening sometimes. It can affect your lungs, bones, bloodstream, heart, and joints.
Can a patient with MRSA infection share a room?
Patients with MRSA usually have a single room. If they share a room, it is only with someone who has MRSA.
