MRSA Virus

The history of MRSA infection dates back to about 48 years. It was first detected in 1961 in England. The peculiar fact about the infection caused by MRSA bacteria was that it is resistant even to some of the strongest antibiotics. This fact alarmed people around the world.

Causes of MRSA Infection
A particular strain of Staphylococcus aureu bacteria is responsible for MRSA infection. Generally, Staphylococcus aureus are present on the skin of human beings, as well as animals. They are harmless until they enter a wound or broken skin. When they enter a wound, they cause infection. Most of the times, this infection can be cured by simple antibiotics, but when even the strongest antibiotics fail to cure the infection, which mostly happens in people with a weak immune system, it is termed as an MRSA infection. It may occur in people who work in hospitals, or those who have been hospitalized, or have had a surgery. Even the hospital staff is susceptible to MRSA infection. When healthy people are affected by MRSA infection, it is termed as CA-MRSA, i.e. Community Associated MRSA, which is more dangerous, as even healthy people are prone to it. MRSA virus can enter the body through cat or dog bites, as the Staphylococcus bacteria are already present on their skin. And if a dog or cat bite causes a wound, those bacteria enter it. In fact, the possibility of the spread of MSRA virus is more in case of pets.

MRSA Infection Symptoms
Skin infections are a major symptom of MRSA infection. It is an infectious disease. However, it should be noted that not every skin infection is MRSA infection. Commonly found symptoms of MRSA infection are given below:

1. The earliest symptom of MRSA infection is a red bump, mostly on the leg or the arm. In medical terms, it is known ascellulitis.
2. If there is a small red bump inside the eyelid or on the eyelash, it also can be a symptom of MRSA infection.
3. Fever
4. Boils with pus in them. They generally occur in hairy areas.

If the infection spreads to other areas there can be symptoms like:

• Extreme tiredness
• Drop in blood pressure
• Pain in the joints

How does MRSA virus infection spread?
It spreads through physical contact with people who are infected by it, or are carriers of the MRSA bacteria. It can also be caused by touching the things that have been used or touched by people who are contaminated by the MRSA virus.

Cure for MRSA Infection
If there is a wound of any sort which is not healing for a long time, it is advisable to consult a doctor. He might suggest a biopsy. For that, skin samples are taken from either the arm pits, or the nostrils, the part which has hair, or from a boil or a wound. This will help in the detection of Staphylococcus aureus. If at all the MRSA virus is detected, the doctor may suggest drugs like Tetracyclines or Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Prevention is Better than Cure

• Wash your hands with medicated soaps.
• Avoid physical contact, especially while playing sports.
• Do not ignore any wound. Keep it clean and bandage it until it gets healed.
• If the wound isn't healing, contact the doctor immediately.
• Don't use others' personal things like towels, razors, etc.
• In hospitals, the bed covers and linen should be sterilized. It is advisable to sterilize even the curtains and the clothes used by patients.
• A different ward should be created for patients showing symptoms of MRSA infection, so that patients with other health problems do not get infected.

The most important thing is to not panic. MRSA is a bacterium, and not a virus, and MRSA infection is curable. Just take the necessary precautions and lead a healthy life!