The organism Staphylococcus Aureus is found on the skin of many individuals and appears to cause no major problems. Occasionally however, if it gets inside the body, for instance under the skin or into the lungs, it can cause infections such as boils or even pneumonia. Those who carry this organism are usually totally healthy, have no problems and are simply considered 'carriers' of the organism. This is also known as 'colonization'.
MRSA or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus is used to describe those examples of the organism Staphylococcus Aureus that are resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Methicillin was an antibiotic used many years ago to treat patients with Staphylococcus aureus infections. It is now no longer used except as a means of identifying this particular type of antibiotic resistance.
MRSA organisms are often associated with patients in hospitals but can also be found on patients not in a hospital. Usually it is not necessary to do anything about MRSA organisms. However if MRSA organisms are passed on to someone who is already ill, then a more serious infections may occur in that individual.
When patients with MRSA are discovered in a hospital, the hospital will usually try to prevent it from passing around to other patients. This is known as infection control, a vital and important part of the control and management of Hospital Acquired Infections.
Those who have contracted MRSA in a hospital would already have a weak immune system and complications arising from their contraction may include toxic shock, pneumonia, septicemia and even death. Early treatment is vital. Worringly these infections are now being found within Community and Nursing home settings.
Those who are at most risk of developing MRSA infections may well have:
an open wound, cut, burn or scald
a catheter or an intravenous drip inserted
a weak immune system such as including -babies, cancer patients or HIV sufferers
had recent surgery
skin conditions such as ulcers or psoriasis
to take frequent courses of antibiotics
Many who contract MRSA do so whilst in a hospital, nursing home or similar healthcare provider
What are the symptoms of MRSA?
In many cases the symptoms of the infection cause skin problems such as boils and impetigo.
When does MRSA become serious?
Serious problems arise if MRSA infection transfers into the bloodstream; although, the symptoms can be increasingly severe including blood poisoning, meningitis, pneumonia or septic shock. MRSA often proves to be fatal.
Swift and decisive actions are required of our medical professionals when MRSA infection is suspected and indeed treated.
Those with MRSA infections should be isolated immediately and a high level code of barrier nursing employed. Although MRSA is resistant to treatment from certain antibiotics, others can be used to treat the condition. Some people may make a full recovery, although others may be left with permanent scars or disablement from the infection and some in extreme cases may even die as a result of MRSA infection.
In the UK MRSA and C Diff are collectively known as 'Suoer Bugs'. Super Bugs present an ever increasing demand on health service providers. The UK government are constantly monitoring and publish figures relating to infection control on a regular basis.
