Mrsa (Staph) Infection: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA, is a type of contagious bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. People also call it “Superbug” as this type of bacteria is resistant to numerous antibiotics, making them complex to treat. 

People who are hospitalized or admitted to other health care settings, such as nursing homes, etc. are prone to develop HA-MRSA (healthcare-associated MRSA). It usually occurs in medical facilities during surgeries, intravenous tubing, or any medical procedure through direct contact with the infected wounds or contaminated hands. Another type of MRSA is community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) that occurs among healthy people through skin-to-skin contact.  

The bacteria usually live in the nose, and on the skin but the problem occurs when they begin to develop quicker through cuts or breaks in the skin. It is contagious and can spread through direct contact with the infected person. MRSA is a severe infection due to its resistance to several types of antibiotics including methicillin and related antibiotics, such as penicillin, vancomycin, and oxacillin. Though doctors no longer use methicillin to treat MRSA, it can be cured with certain antibiotics. MRSA is a threat to wound care physicians due to its resistance to traditional antibiotic therapy.

What Are The Risk Factors For The Development of MRSA?

MRSA infection can occur in people of all age groups and genders. Since hospital and community strains of MRSA occur in different settings, the risk factors differ.

Risk factors for HA-MRSA

People are at more risk of developing HA-MRSA if they:

• Were in hospital within the past three months
• Have chronic wounds and ulcerations 
• Reduced mobility
• Weakened immune system
• Concurrent dermatological conditions etc.

Risk factors for CA-MRSA

People are at more risk of developing CA-MRSA if they have:

• Chronic antibiotic use
• Invasive surgeries
• Close contact with carriers
• Prolonged use of tubes etc.
• Live in crowded or unhygienic conditions 

What Are Symptoms Of Mrsa Wound Infections?

The symptoms of MRSA depend on the type of infection:

Symptoms of HA-MRSA

HA-MRSA can cause other severe complications such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and the blood infection sepsis. If a patient sees any of these signs, they should immediately contact Wound Care At Bedside. Here they are as follows:

• Rashes
• Headaches
• Cold & fever
• Fatigue and cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain etc.

Symptoms of CA-MRSA

The symptoms of CA-MRSA include:

• Skin infections
• Areas with hair growth such as armpits or back of the neck are likely to get infected
• Cut or any break in the skin are more prone to develop an infection
• Swollen or painful bump on the skin
• Redness and warmth
• Drainage from the affected area 
• Fever

What Are The Causes Of MRSA Infection?

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, commonly called "staph”, comes in different varieties. They usually occur in the nose or on the skin. They are generally harmless but once they enter the body through a cut or other wound, they can cause many complications. The bacteria is contagious and spreads from person to person through direct skin contact or when an infected person with MRSA gets in touch with another healthy person. 

What Are The Complications of MRSA Infection?

MRSA infections are resistant to many antibiotics and thereby they are difficult to treat. The infection can lead to complications ranging from mild to life-threatening such as:

• Sepsis
• Bloodstream infection
• Pneumonia
• Surgical Site Infections

The infection can also affect the lungs, heart, bones, and joints. In case if the infection is getting worse, the patients need to contact Bedside Specialist Care California.

How to Diagnose MRSA Infection?

To diagnose an MRSA infection, the healthcare professional will take a sample of skin or discharge from an open wound. A proper medical history assessment and physical examination will be conducted.  

• Wound Cultures - Wound samples will be taken by the doctors to be analyzed for determining the presence of staph bacteria.
• Sputum Cultures - It is a substance that is taken from the respiratory tract during coughing for knowing the presence of fragments, blood, or pus.
• Urine Cultures - In most cases, a urine sample is taken directly from the bladder. 
• Blood Cultures - There can be a blood test also. 

How Is MRSA Treated?

Both HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA are treated differently. 

1. Antibiotics - HA-MRSA infection is prone to develop life-threatening situations. It is usually treated with antibiotics through an IV. The period can vary depending on the severity of the infection. While CA-MRSA infection can usually be treated with oral antibiotics. 
2. Wound Cleaning, Dressing, And Drainage - In case of a large enough skin infection, or a wound is filled with purulent exudate, an incision or drainage can be performed by giving local anesthesia to exudate drainage. Patients are required to consult with wound care specialist Los Angeles.
3. Analgesics and Antipyretics - A suitable pain relief medication can be prescribed by the doctors to bring comfort to the patient while being treated for MRSA infection. Additionally, there can be medications to cure fever if it is necessary.

How to Prevent MRSA Infection?

Preventing HA-MRSA

People who are hospitalized and are infected with MRSA should be shifted to isolated places as a measure to further prevent the spread of MRSA. Additionally, visitors and healthcare professionals need to maintain hygiene and wear protective garments. For example, washing hands or using hand sanitizers.

Preventing CA-MRSA

• Regularly wash hands
• Keep cuts and wounds clean and covered with appropriate dressings. 
• Avoid sharing items such as clothes or athletic equipment etc.

If the patients see any minor skin problems such as pimples, cuts, or scrapes especially if the wounds appear infected or experience fever, they need to contact Bedside Care Specialist USA.