HomeMy WebLinkAboutmrsa-fact-sheet-archive‘STAPH’ BACTERIA
(Staphylococcus aureus) are
commonly found on the skin
and in the nose of healthy
people. It is the most common
cause of skin infections. Most
of these skin infections (e.g.
Pimples, boils or abscesses)
are minor and can be treated
without antibiotics (drugs used
to kill bacteria). However, staph
bacteria also can cause serious
infections such as surgical
wound infections and
bloodstream infections).
Methicillin-resistant S. aureus
(MRSA or ‘mersa’) is a staph
that has developed resistance
to a commonly used class
antibiotics called ‘beta-
lactams’ (e.g. penicillins -
methicillin, nafcillin, amoxicillin,
oxacillin, among others). MRSA
can cause minor skin infections
and, if not treated properly,
more serious infections such as
pneumonia and bloodstream
infections. MRSA infections are
more difficult to treat, but
usually respond to draining of
wounds and/or antibiotics.
Drainage of skin boils or
abscesses should only be done
by a healthcare provider.
HOW MRSA IS SPREAD?
MRSA is usually spread through
direct physical contact with an
infected person, but also may
be spread through contact with
contaminated objects or
surfaces. It is not spread by
coughing unless the infected
person has MRSA pneumonia.
COLONIZATION vs. INFECTION?
Colonization means MRSA is
present in or on the body but is
not causing illness. (This
applies to approximately 10-
30% of the population.)
Infection means MRSA is
present and causing symptoms
or illness.
WHAT IS MRSA?
HOW TO PREVENT MRSA INFECTIONS
Practice good skin care
_ Clean hands thoroughly and
frequently with soap and
water or an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer.
_ Keep skin clean and bathe
with soap.
_ Avoid contact with other
people’s wounds, infected
skin, or dirty bandages.
_ Do not share personal
hygiene products (e.g.
toiletries and towels).
_ Do not scratch rashes or
bumps.
_ Keep all wounds clean and
covered.
Avoid contact with
contaminated surfaces.
_ Disinfect shared equipment
daily; routinely wipe surfaces
clean between users.
_ Have a towel or shirt between
your bare skin and exercise
equipment .
_ Machine wash and dry linens.
Recognize common symptoms
of skin infections
_ Always seek medical attention
if you develop a painful
bump, red or inflamed skin,
an insect or spider bite, or a
sore that does not go away or
is getting bigger.
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FEBRUARY 2008
INFORMATION SHEET
M E T H I C I L L I N - R E S I S T A N T
S T A P H Y L O C O C C U S A U R E U S
( M R S A )
Skin infections caused by MRSA/Staph.
Photos from CDC Public Health Image Library.
RISK FACTORS FOR COMMUNITY-
ACQUIRED MRSA
• Young age. Immune
systems are not fully
developed. Also, much
more likely to develop
dangerous forms of
pneumonia than older
populations.
• Participation in contact
sports. MRSA spreads
easily through cuts and
abrasions and skin-to-skin
contact.
• Sharing towels or athletic
equipment.
• Having a weakened
immune system. More
likely to have severe
community-acquired
MRSA infections.
• Living in crowded or
unsanitary conditions.
Examples: military
training camps; American
and European prisons.
• Association with health
care workers