MRSA Infection : What is MRSA ?

MRSA Introduction (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

Staphylococcus aureus is a very common type of bacteria and lives on the skin and in the nose of many healthy people without doing any harm. Like many bacteria, it has the potential to become a problem if you are run down, ill, injured or particularly if you have undergone surgery. It can cause infections if it enters the body, such as through wounds or instruments placed in the body.

Methicillin is an antibiotic and antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. However, Methicillin resistant means that this type of antibiotic cannot kill the bacteria and another antibiotic will need to be used. If Methicillin cannot be used to treat staphylococcus aureus, it is called MRSA.

What is the cause of MRSA?
Antibiotics have been used for many years to successfully treat infections. However, they have been misused, overused and over prescribed in recent years. Added to this, it is fairly common for people not finish a course of antibiotics as prescribed. When this happens, it is likely that not all of the germs that caused the infection will have been killed. The germs that survive develop a resistance to the antibiotic and multiply. As more antibiotics are used, the number of germs that are able to resist them have become more common.

Can MRSA be treated?
Yes, MRSA can be treated with antibiotics other than Methicillin, but it is becoming increasingly difficult. Other medications, such as an antiseptic wash and ointment can also be used to remove MRSA from the nose and skin even when it is doing no harm to the individual.

Will I get MRSA if I go to Hospital?
MRSA is more common in hospitals than anywhere else and you will be at your most vulnerable if you unfortunate enough to require a stay in the intensive care unit, where most infections occur. The opportunity for MRSA to get into the bloodstream is greatest if you have a surgical wound or tube placed in the body.