MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
Also known as: MRSA, Staph Infection, Superbug, Antibiotic-Resistant Staph
MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that has developed resistance to methicillin and many other commonly used antibiotics, making infections more difficult to treat than standard staph infections. MRSA infections range from minor skin infections presenting as boils or abscesses to life-threatening bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and surgical site infections. MRSA can be classified as healthcare-associated (HA-MRSA), typically occurring in hospitals and long-term care facilities, or community-associated (CA-MRSA), which affects otherwise healthy individuals in community settings.
Symptoms
Causes
- Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that have acquired the mecA gene for antibiotic resistance
- Overuse and misuse of antibiotics driving resistance selection
- Direct contact with an infected wound or contaminated surfaces
- Colonization of MRSA on the skin or in the nasal passages without active infection
Risk Factors
- Hospitalization, surgery, or residence in a long-term care facility
- Invasive devices such as IV lines, urinary catheters, or ventilators
- Weakened immune system from HIV, cancer treatment, or organ transplant
- Close contact sports with skin-to-skin contact (wrestling, football)
- Crowded living conditions (military barracks, dormitories, prisons)
- Open wounds, cuts, or skin abrasions
Diagnosis
- Wound culture and sensitivity testing to identify MRSA and determine effective antibiotics
- Nasal swab screening for MRSA colonization in hospital settings
- Blood cultures for suspected bloodstream infections
- PCR-based rapid diagnostic testing for fast MRSA identification
Treatment
- Incision and drainage of abscesses (may be sufficient for small skin infections)
- Antibiotics effective against MRSA: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, or clindamycin for skin infections
- Intravenous vancomycin, daptomycin, or linezolid for serious systemic infections
- Wound care and monitoring for treatment response
- Decolonization protocols (mupirocin nasal ointment, chlorhexidine body wash) for recurrent MRSA
- Surgical debridement for deep tissue or bone infections
Prevention
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Keep cuts, scrapes, and wounds clean, covered, and bandaged
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, and athletic equipment
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and equipment that may be contaminated
- Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics to prevent resistance
- Shower after contact sports and athletic activities
When to See a Doctor
- A skin infection does not improve or worsens despite antibiotic treatment
- You develop a painful, red, swollen, and warm area of skin with pus
- You have a fever along with skin infection or wound that is not healing
- You have been in a hospital or care facility and develop signs of infection
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
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