MRSA Staph Infection

MRSA staph infection is caused by a strain of staph bacterium that has developed resistance to the antibiotics used for treating staph infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA bacteria is resistant to antibiotics such as methicillin, oxacillin, amoxicillin and penicillin. MRSA bacteria might be present on the skin, nostrils and throat of many healthy people, but such an MRSA colonization doesn't cause an infection, until the bacteria gets an opportunity to enter through broken skin or wounds.

MRSA Infection: Causes and Symptoms

As I mentioned earlier, some healthy people might have this particular strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin, but staph infection will be caused only when the bacteria gets a chance to enter the skin through cuts or wounds. Health care workers are at an increased risk of being colonized. Those who are hospitalized or work in hospitals are more prone to staph infections. Such infections are called health care-associated MRSA. When healthy people get affected by this infection, such infections are called community-associated MRSA infections. For instance, those who have recently had a tattoo or body piercing might also be at a risk of getting such a staph infection. Since, this bacteria is present on animal skin, therefore, one could catch this infection as a result of cat or dog bites.

The early symptoms of MRSA infection include appearance of small red bumps or raised areas on skin. Though they may appear like pimples, but soon these turn into large painful boils that are filled with pus. Along with these painful MRSA rash or the skin abscesses, one might also experience symptoms such as fever, small red bump on the eyelash or inside the eyelid and fatigue. This infection could also spread in other parts of the body. If that happens, the patient might experience joint pain, low blood pressure, septicemia, shortness of breath, urinary tract infection and pneumonia.

MRSA Infection: Treatment

Since, the MRSA bacteria may enter the body through broken skin or wounds, you must take precautions. Wounds or cuts should be disinfected and covered with a medicated bandage. Manuka honey or tea tree oil can be applied on the infected wound. Is staph infection contagious? Well, MRSA staph infection is not air-borne, but it can spread through direct contact. Those who are wounded or have cuts might get infected if they come in direct contact with an infected person, therefore, precautions must be taken. Since, people working at hospitals are prone to getting this infection, they must pay attention to the aspect of hygiene. MRSA staph infection can spread if you touch the wounds with bare hands. Personal items such as soaps, clothes, towels or razors must never be shared. Those who have a weak immune system or have open wounds are at an increased risk if they come in contact with a person with an MRSA staph infection.

Even healthy people can get infected. If any wound or skin rash seems to be taking a long time to heal, consult a doctor soon. Since, this strain of Staphylococcus bacteria has developed a resistance to many antibiotics that are used for treating staph infections, the treatment will depend on your body's response to antibiotics or other medicines. Topical application of mupirocin antibiotic has been found to be effective. Some antibiotics such as vancomycin, daptomycin and linezolid might help those who have an active bloodstream infection. It is essential that you take the medicines as per the prescribed dosage and complete the entire course. Doctors might also try other methods such as draining off the infected fluid.

So, this was some information on MRSA staph infection. Now that you are aware of the causes, symptoms and treatment of MRSA staph infection, make sure that you take all these preventive measures. In case, you experience any such symptoms, consult a doctor soon.