How do you Get Mercer Infection

A new kind of infection is in news, lately. This bacterial infection is known by the name of Mercer staph infection or MRSA infection. This bacteria is none other than a strain of the common bacterial flora of the human skin, Staphylococcus aureus. These bacterial agents are known to cause some of the mild to severe infections of the skin, lungs, bones, blood, nails, etc. Antibiotics are used to treat these infections. However, when the bacteria fails to respond to the antibiotic treatment, it is said to have been mutated into MRSA. Mercer or MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Mercer infection is very difficult to treat as the bacteria is resistant to most of the antibiotics. Thus, leading to serious health problems as the infection continues to spread. In order to avoid a serious complication, it is important to learn modes of spread of infection. Let us go into the details about Mercer staph infection.

How do You Get MRSA

MRSA infection was considered to be a hospital acquired infection. It was first observed in 1960s due to the increase in use of antibiotics. The bacteria turned resistant to the action of antibiotics and began to produce strains which could protect themselves against antibiotics used in the treatment. People who were hospitalized for a really long time were the ones who used to develop the infection. Patients with open wounds, burn injuries, sores, etc., were more prone to getting a Mercer infection. As the bacteria lives on the skin, an open sore or wound helped them gain entry into the body to cause infection. Urinary catheters, tubes that were inserted into the body, intravenous drips, use of unsterilized needles, etc., also lead to spread of infection. Many times blood and urine too become contaminated and leads to spread of Mercer infections.

It was very uncommon to see spread of MRSA infection outside the hospital. However, this scenario is changing since the past few years. More and more cases of Mercer infection are identified occurring outside the hospital. These cases are called community acquired Mercer infections. These infections are a cause of concern as it can spread to children and old people leading to many serious complications. It has been found that a small percentage of people carry MRSA bacteria on their skin. These people never develop any skin infections or Mercer infections. They are not even aware they are 'carriers' of the infection and can spread the bacteria to others around them.

Is Mercer infection contagious? In case of community acquired Mercer infections, it can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. These bacteria can also survive for weeks on furniture, door knobs, toys, counter tops, etc. Their survival depends on the temperature, humidity and other environmental factors. The bacteria can also spread through air by attaching themselves to dust particles and other air pollutants. Sharing of needles while using illegal drugs, razors, nail clipper, gym equipment, towels, clothes, bathrooms, locker rooms and other personal items can spread the bacteria from infected people to healthy individuals.

How do You Know You Have a Mercer Infection

Mercer can be very sneaky and will appear as recurrent boils or abscess that is hard to treat. These boils and pimples occur in odd places on your body like inside your nose, between groin, buttocks, back of your knee and legs, armpit, etc. The abscess will be very hard to drain and will need medical help. The infected skin will get swollen, tender and red. If you suffer from any injury or wounds, it will be very hard to treat and may turn septic. One may even suffer from fever, headaches, and severe infections.

How do You Treat Mercer Infection

When one is diagnosed with MRSA infection, he or she is prescribed a particular type of antibiotics that help cure the infection. These antibiotics are generally given intravenously. The most common form of antibiotics used to treat Mercer infections is vancomycin and teicoplanin. It is very difficult to get rid of Mercer infections and one may need to use special creams, soaps, etc., to limit the spread of the bacteria.

Make sure you wash your hands frequently with an anti-bacterial soap. Never share your personal items with anyone. If you observe recurrent boils, infections, abscesses, etc that are difficult to treat, speak to your doctor about Mercer staph infection. He will be able to guide you properly regarding the management of MRSA infection.