MRSA disease: symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition

What is MRSA?

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a "staph" germ that is not affected by the types of antibiotics that usually cure staph infections. MRSA can penetrate deep into the body, causing infectious diseases such as bones, joints, blood, heart valves, and lung infections.

MRSA is one of the causes of hospital acquired infection (HAI), a disease that is transmitted from the hospital. If not treated in a timely manner this disease can be life threatening.

MRSA is a condition that usually occurs in people who have been in hospitals or other health care settings, such as nursing homes and dialysis centers. The condition is called health care related MRSA or health care-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA).

Another type of MRSA is a condition that occurs in the wider community, among healthy people. This form is also known as community-related or MRSA community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) . This type often starts with a painful boil.

How common is MRSA?

MRSA can happen to anyone, especially those who live in crowded places. You can minimize the possibility of contracting it by reducing risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of MRSA?

The common symptom is small red bumps on the skin that look like pimples or boils. They are generally warm to the touch, filled with pus or other fluid, and are accompanied by fever.

In addition, other symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Cough or shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Shivering
• Unwell
• Dizzy
• Rash
• Wounds that don't heal

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, a lump that is an early symptom of MRSA is a condition that can quickly turn into a painful abscess and requires surgical drainage. Sometimes the bacteria settle only on the surface of the skin.

However, bacteria can also burrow deep into the body, causing infections in the bones, joints, surgical wounds, bloodstream, heart valves, and lungs. It requires immediate treatment as it is potentially life-threatening.

There may be signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the above signs or symptoms or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always better to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.

Cause

What causes MRSA?

There are various types of Staphylococcus aureus which are commonly referred to as "staph". Staph bacteria are usually found on the skin or nose. Bacteria are generally harmless, except when they enter the body through wounds and cause skin problems in healthy people.

Antibiotic resistance

MRSA is a condition that occurs due to the use of antibiotics that the body does not need. Over the years, antibiotics have been prescribed to treat colds, flu, and other viral infections that don't respond to these drugs.

In fact, antibiotics can increase bacterial resistance to drugs, even when used appropriately. This is because antibiotics do not destroy every targeted germ. Germs that survive treatment with one antibiotic will learn to fight another drug.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for MRSA?

Factors that increase the risk of MRSA, according to type are:

Risk factors for HA-MRSA

• Never been hospitalized. MRSA often occurs in hospitals, where the bacteria attack the most susceptible people, namely the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
• Has an invasive medical device. A medical tube, such as an intravenous line or urinary catheter, is a device that can provide a way for MRSA to enter your body.
• Stay in a health facility for a long time. MRSA is a common condition in nursing homes.

Risk factors for CA-MRSA

• Come into contact with an infected person. MRSA can spread easily through cuts and abrasions and skin-to-skin contact.
• Living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Military training camps, child care centers and prisons are places that are at high risk of MRSA spreading.
• Men have sex with men. Homosexuals have a higher risk of getting MRSA infections
• Using illegal drugs by injection. People who inject drugs are at a higher risk of developing MRSA infection than other people.

Having no risk factors doesn't mean you can't get this disease. These factors are for reference only. You should consult your doctor for more details.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for MRSA?

Some infections may not need antibiotics. The abscess will be treated with an incision and drainage. Drugs that may be prescribed are trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole and newer such as linezolid, daptomycin, quinupristin / dalfopristin, tigecycline, and telavancin.

People with HA-MRSA infection can be isolated. Visitors and health care workers should wear protective clothing, and wash hands after contact with patients. Room and laundry surfaces should be cleaned with a disinfectant.

What are the usual tests to diagnose MRSA?

Diagnosis is made by taking a sample of skin, pus, blood, urine, or secretions from the nose. This will then be developed in the laboratory to see the presence or absence of MRSA bacteria.

Prevention

What steps can I take to prevent MRSA infection?

Here are preventative steps that can prevent you from getting MRSA, by type:

Prevent HA-MRSA

People infected with MRSA are often kept separate to reduce contact with other people. Visitors and carers who care for isolated people are required to wear protective clothing and must follow strict hygiene rules. In addition, surfaces and items must be properly disinfected.

Prevent CA-MRSA

Here are ways to prevent CA-MRSA that might help you:

• Wash your hands
• Close your wound
• Do not share personal equipment with others
• Take a shower after athletic training
• Do not inject illegal drugs.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.