Question

What is MRSA? Who is susceptible? How long does it last for and how does it spread? How is transmission prevented?

Answer 1

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body. It's tougher to treat than most strains of staphylococcus aureus -- or staph -- because it's resistant to some commonly used antibiotics.

MRSA is spread by contact. So, you could get MRSA by touching another person who has it on the skin. Or you could get it by touching objects that have the bacteria on them. MRSA is carried by about 2% of the population (or 2 in 100 people), although most of them aren't infected.

MRSA infections are common among people who have weak immune systems and are in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care centers. Infections can appear around surgical wounds or invasive devices, like catheters or implanted feeding tubes.

Healthy persons can carry the MRSA bacteria in their nose or on their skin for weeks or even years. Healthy people can sometimes effectively clear MRSA from their bodies even in the absence of any kind of treatment, however, unless completely cleared the bacteria can return, especially if the individual undergoes antibiotic therapy.

MRSA can be present in the nose, on the skin, or in the blood or urine. MRSA can spread among other patients who are usually very ill with weakened immune systems that cannot fight off the infection.

MRSA is usually spread through physical contact--not through the air. It is usually spread by direct contact (e.g., skin-to-skin).

Healthcare workers hands may also become contaminated by contact with patients, or indirect contact from surfaces in the workplace and medical devices that are contaminated with MRSA.

the transmission of MRSA prevented by following

• Do not treat the infection yourself, and do not pick or pop the sore.
• Cover the infection with dry bandages.
• Clean your hands often, and always after changing the bandage or touching the infection.
• Do not share personal items.
• Wipe down non-washable sports equipment with an antibacterial solution.
• Clean surfaces (counter tops, door knobs) with a standard disinfectant on a regular basis.
• Wash sheets, towels, and clothes with water and laundry detergent. Use a dryer to dry the items completely.

The prevention of MRSA infections in health care is based upon standard infection control precautions, which include routine practices, and contact precautions as required for all antibiotic-resistant organisms. Steps include, but are not limited to:

Source Control

Contact precautions should be used with patients with known or suspected infections. It is not necessary to wait for testing to confirm a diagnosis. Use contact precautions (e.g., procedures to prevent droplet or aerosols). Post signs at the entrance to patient area.

Hand Hygiene

Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed, between patient contacts and between tasks and procedures.

Gloving

Wear gloves when touching blood, body fluids and contaminated items. Remove gloves between patient contacts and wash hands immediately.

Masking

Wear a mask and face shield during procedures that are likely to generate splashes or droplets of blood and body fluids.

Gowning

Wear a long-sleeved gown during procedures that are likely to generate splashes or droplets of blood and body fluids. Wear gown before beginning the procedure, and remove before leaving the patient's area.

Do not wear any personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, gowns, etc.) for more than one patient.

Patient Care Equipment

Appropriate cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of patient care equipment are important in limiting the transmission of organisms.

Education of Patient, Families and Visitors

All people involved should be educated about the importance of the precautions being used to help prevent the transmission of the disease. Hand hygiene is particularly important.

Handling of Laundry

Handle, transport, and process used linen soiled with blood or body fluids in a manner that prevents skin exposure, contamination of clothing and transfer of microorganisms to other patients.