What is MRSA Infection

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection is caused by a bacteria (staphylococcus aureus or staph) that no longer responds to common antibiotic medicines (drug-resistant bacteria).

MRSA infection can be hard to treat.

Most times, MRSA can be on the skin or in the nose without causing problems. However, if MRSA enters the body through a cut or sore, it can cause a serious infection, such as:

• Skin infections.
• Bone or joint infections.
• Pneumonia.
• Bloodstream infections (sepsis).

There are two types of MRSA:

• Health care–associated MRSA. This is an infection that you get during a stay in a hospital, rehabilitation facility, nursing home, or other health care facility.
• Community-associated MRSA. This is an infection that occurs after exposure to the bacteria in daily activities, such as sports, child care centers, or sharing personal items with someone who is infected with MRSA.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by a bacteria. Illness may develop after exposure to the bacteria through:

• Skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected with MRSA.
• Touching surfaces that have the bacteria.
• Having a procedure or equipment that allows MRSA to enter the body.
• Having MRSA living on your skin, and getting a cut or scratch that allows bacteria to enter your body.

What increases the risk?

Health care-associated MRSA

You are more likely to develop this condition if you:

• Have surgery or a procedure.
• Have an IV or a thin tube (catheter) placed in your body.
• Are elderly.
• Are on kidney dialysis.
• Have recently taken an antibiotic.
• Live in a long-term care facility.

Community-associated MRSA

You are more likely to develop this condition if you:

• Have an infected wound or skin ulcer.
• Have a weak body defense system (immune system).
• Have recently taken an antibiotic.
• Play sports that involve skin-to-skin contact.
• Live in a crowded setting, like a dormitory or military barracks.
• Share towels, razors, or sports equipment with other people.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition depend on the area that is affected. Symptoms may include:

• A pus-filled pimple or boil.
• Pus draining from your skin.
• A sore (abscess) under your skin or somewhere in your body.
• Fever with or without chills.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• A physical exam and medical history.
• Taking a sample from the infected area and growing it in a lab (culture).

You may also have other tests, including:

• Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scan, or MRI.
• Lab tests such as blood, urine, or sputum tests.

You may be screened for MRSA on your skin or in your nose when you are admitted to a health care facility for a procedure.

How is this treated?

Treatment depends on the type of MRSA and how severe, deep, or extensive the infection is. Treatment may include:

• Antibiotic medicines.
• Surgery to drain pus from the infected area.

Severe infections may require a hospital stay.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Take antibiotic medicine as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

Hand washing

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Make sure that everyone in your household washes their hands often, too.

Wound care

• If you have a wound, wash your hands before and after changing your bandage (dressing). Follow your health care provider’s instructions for wound care.
• Clean wounds, cuts, and abrasions with soap and water and cover them with dry, germ-free (sterile) dressings until they heal.
• Check your wound every day for signs of infection. Check for:
  • More redness, swelling, or pain.
  • More fluid or blood.
  • Warmth.
  • Pus or a bad smell.
• Ask your health care provider if you should have a test (wound culture) for MRSA and other bacteria.

General instructions

• Clean surfaces regularly to remove germs (disinfection). Use products or solutions that contain bleach. Make sure you disinfect bathroom surfaces, food preparation areas, and doorknobs.
• Wash towels, bedding, and clothes in the washing machine with detergent and hot water. Dry them in a hot dryer.
• Always shower after playing sports or exercising.
• Avoid close contact with those around you as much as possible. Do not use towels, razors, toothbrushes, bedding, or other items that will be used by others.
• If you are breastfeeding, talk to your health care provider about MRSA. You may be asked to temporarily stop breastfeeding.
• Tell all your health care providers that you have MRSA.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if you:

• Do not get better.
• Have symptoms that get worse.
• Have new symptoms.

Get help right away if you have:

• Nausea, or you vomit, or you cannot take medicine without vomiting.
• Trouble breathing.
• Chest pain.

Summary

• MRSA is an infection caused by a type of staphylococcus (staph) bacteria that does not respond to common antibiotic medicines.
• Treatment for this condition depends on the type of MRSA infection and how severe, deep, and extensive the infection is.
• Make sure you know the signs of a MRSA infection and when to contact a health care provider.