The 411 on MRSA

MRSA is also known as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus but some people called it simply staph. This type of staph infection developed in hospitals as a secondary infection which was resistant to the commonly used broad spectrum of antibiotics. This MRSA was the first appearance of bacteria that seemed to resist all but the most powerful forms of antibiotic treatment. This strain of staph is potentially fatal, especially in people who already have a weakened immune system.

What is interesting is that staph bacteria are found naturally in the nose or on the skin areas in about 33% of the population. You can stay healthy even with this staph but be labeled "colonized" which is really just a way to say that you have the potential to get sick with this staph. In addition, you can even pass staph along to others, while not getting sick yourself.

Most people who get staph in an open wound won't get sick but if you are already in the hospital with something else, your immune system is vulnerable and won't be able to fight off the staph as it normally would, this creating this new MRSA. You will see the MRSA in nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers predominantly and it normally causes skin infections as well as pneumonia.

If the MRSA starts at the skin first, you will likely notice red bumps that resemble pimples or even boils. These can become deep infections rather quickly which require a doctor to drain the wound surgically. MRSA has also been known to breach the skin and enter the body to create serious infections in the blood, heart, bones and more. Any surgical incision site is especially vulnerable.

Causes of MRSA

Unnecessary antibiotic use is the primary cause of the MRSA to become so serious. Too often, antibiotics have been prescribed to people who had viral infections, something that it doesn't treat. As a result, the bacteria build up resistance against these medications.

Another reason why antibiotics are not as effective against MRSA is because these drugs can often be found in the livestock and poultry you consume. Farmers and ranchers use antibiotics to treat their livestock to keep them healthy. Only within the past few years have medical experts realized that is practice is contributing to the antibiotic resistant bacteria like MRSA.

Of course, every so often, genetic mutations occur as well in the bacteria. Life is always evolving and microorganisms are no different. Often, bacteria mutates more quickly than new antibiotics can be produced. Therein lays the reason why there are so few antibiotic medications which work on staph infections.

Treatment Options

To avoid the few drugs like vancomycin from becoming useless in the fight against staph, you should try and avoid the risk factors which can cause MRSA. For instance, if you require hospitalization, try and have someone with you at all times to look out for your interests such as making sure that all nursing and medical staff wash their hands thoroughly and wear a mask to avoid spreading staph.

Also, do not share towels, razors or anything else that could have you swapping epithelial skin cells with another. This is one way staph is contracted. If you participate in sports, make sure that all sores, scrapes and other open skin or wounds are effectively covered so as to avoid contracting staph from another player. There are countless ways to avoid MRSA; all it takes is diligence.

Recommended Reading

1. Discovering About Bacterial Skin Infections
2. Folliculitis No Folly for the Skin
3. Skin Complications with Diabetes
4. Prevent Infection from that Dog or Cat Bite
5. Defining the Death of Infected Tissues