1. MRSA Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

2. Staphylococcus aureus
They are referred to simply as "staph"
They are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people
can cause an infection for example:
minor infection: pimples and boils
serious infections: such as surgical wound infections and pneumonia

3. Why it is called MRSA?
In the past, most serious staph bacteria infections were treated with a certain type of antibiotic related to penicillin. Over the past 50 years, treatment of these infections has become more difficult because staph bacteria have become resistant to various antibiotics, including the commonly used penicillin-related antibiotics . These resistant bacteria are called Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA

4. What is MRSA? It is a germ that can cause an infection
It is resistant to most antibiotics
Many healthy people carry MRSA, but it may cause an infection in those with weakened defenses
It is hard to stamp out once it is present
People can "carry" this particular germ for a long time

5. What can MRSA cause? skin infections bone infections Pneumonia
severe life-threatening bloodstream infections

6. Who is at risk to get MRSA?
Patients who have prolonged or repeated hospital stays
Patients who have invasive devices or procedures, including surgery
Patients who have treatment with lots of antibiotics:
Antibiotics reduce the number of helpful bacteria in the body
Without a supply of these bacteria, the body has a harder time fighting off infection
Patients who are hospitalized and:
elderly
very sick
have an open wound (such as a bedsore)
have a tube going into their body (such as a urinary catheter or intravenous catheter)
Patients spending time close to other patients:
with MRSA
carrying MRSA in the nose without developing illness

7. Incidence
MRSA occurs more commonly among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities
In 100,000 persons are hospitalized each year with MRSA infections:
A small proportion of these persons have disease onset occurring in the community
Approximately 25 to 30% of the population is colonized in the nose with staph bacteria at a given time
The numbers who are colonized with MRSA at any one time is not known

8. How are MRSA spread? close contact with infected people
direct physical contact
not through the air
indirect contact by touching objects contaminated by the infected skin of a person with MRSA :
Towels
Sheets
wound dressings
Clothes
workout areas
sports equipment

9. Contact precaution
Contact Precautions are used when taking care of patients who have MRSA:
A private room to prevent contact with others
Items and surfaces are routinely cleaned and disinfected
Gloves are worn to prevent contamination of the hands of healthcare workers
Gowns are worn if there will be contact of body fluids
Contact Precautions used in the hospital reduce the risk of spreading MRSA to other patients

10. Hand washing

11. Discharge the patient At home it is important:
to practice good hand washing
carefully handle soiled items that contain body fluids
Hand washing before and after any activities such as changing bandages or blowing/touching the nose is important

12. How can I prevent MRSA infections?
Practice good hygiene:
Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water
Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with a proper dressing (e.g., bandage) until healed
Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or material contaminated from wounds

13. HOW IS MRSA TRANSMITTED?
MRSA is transmitted primarily by contact with:
infected persons
colonized persons

14. COLONIZATION" VERSUS "INFECTION
the bacteria are multiplying and the body is trying to defend against them
Colonization:
Different kinds of bacteria normally live in the body without causing an infection

15. Are MRSA infections treatable?
Yes
Most staph bacteria and MRSA are susceptible to several antibiotics
Most staph skin infections can be treated without antibiotics by draining the sore
If antibiotics are prescribed, patients should complete the full course
Patients who are only colonized with staph bacteria or MRSA usually do not need treatment

16. Treatment To fight the MRSA infection follow the doctor's order
infection control instructions
give all medications as prescribed

17. Treatment Bactroban nasally drug of choice
Indication:
eradication of nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant S. aureus
Dosage:
BID nasally for 5 days
Adverse events:
headache (9%)
rhinitis (6%)
respiratory disorder (including upper respiratory tract congestion) (5%)
pharyngitis (4%)
taste perversion (3%)