 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Health news - MRSA - the facts9 March 2005 - written by Bupa's Health information team What is MRSA?MRSA is the name given to a group of bacteria that belong to the Staphylococcus aureus (SA) family of bacteria. Most Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can be treated with medicines called methicillin-type antibiotics. However, certain types of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria cannot be treated with methicillin-type antibiotics - the bacteria are resistant to these drugs. These are called MRSA bacteria: M - methicillin How did MRSA become resistant to methicillin-type antibiotics?Whenever bacteria encounter an antibiotic (such as methicillin) some of the bacteria may be able to survive it. The surviving, methicillin-resistant bacteria can then multiply, potentially producing bacteria with even better resistance. The chances of resistant bacteria developing have been increased by:1,4
How common is Staphylococcus aureus?It's estimated that one in three healthy people carry Staphyloccocus aureus bacteria on their skin, in their noses or in the back of their throats.1,2 Few UK studies have looked at how many healthy people who are not in hospital carry MRSA - one study estimates about one in 100 people.9 This is about the same as US estimates.3 People carrying the bacteria are said to be colonised, but not infected: the bacteria are simply "hitching a lift" on the surface of the body and have not entered their bodies.2 Will carrying Staphylococcus aureus harm me?While the bacteria are simply being carried on the surface of the skin, all Staphylococcus aureus, including the MRSA strain, are not harmful to a healthy person. Because of this, most people are never aware that they are carrying the bacteria.1 How does Staphylococcus aureus cause an infection?Infection happens if the bacteria enter the body through a cut, a graze or any break in the skin - either accidental or deliberate (eg a drip or surgical cut).1 The bacteria can then cause skin infections or other more severe infections inside the body.1 (see What types of infection can MRSA cause? below). The severity of the infection depends on where in the body the bacteria has spread to (see Who is most at risk of developing an MRSA infection? below). What types of infection can MRSA cause?If the infection is just under the skin, MRSA can cause pimples or boils. 3,4 The affected areas may be swollen, painful and red.3 If bacteria get into a person's blood stream, usually through a deep wound, they can spread throughout the body and cause other infections. For example:3,4,9
Implanted devices, such as hip or knee replacements, can also become infected. Who is most at risk of developing an MRSA infection?The people who are most at risk of becoming either colonised or infected with MRSA are those in close contact with people who may be carrying the bacteria, for example in hospital wards that care for ill people. MRSA infection is most likely to develop in people who:2,4,6
Are MRSA infections more dangerous than other infections?They can be. Many skin-deep infections, such as boils, clear up without the need for antibiotics once the pus has been drained away. Don't try this yourself: boils should only be drained by a health professional.3 But people in whom MRSA infection has spread further usually need treatments such as antibiotics or surgery. Normal Staphylococcus aureus infections are treated with methicillin-type antibiotics. But MRSA infections cannot be treated with the usual antibiotics - so longer treatment or newer antibiotics need to be used. This can mean that the bacteria have more time to multiply and spread through the body - resulting in more severe infection.4 So can MRSA infections be treated?Yes, MRSA can be treated. The resistance of the MRSA bacteria to certain types of antibiotics makes treatment more difficult, but not impossible.2,3,4 Most strains of MRSA can be treated with the antibiotics vancomycin and teicoplanin, which are given by injection or through an intravenous drip.4 Surgery may also be needed to remove infected tissue or implanted devices. How is MRSA spread?A person can become colonised with MRSA (or infected if the bacteria enters the body) by:
By touching an open wound or scratching damaged skin, people who are colonised by MRSA can transfer the bacteria from their hands into their body, leading to infection.6 How can we prevent the spread of MRSA and other infections in hospitals?In hospitals a number of measures have been put in place to reduce the spread of infections:2,6
Will clean hospital wards and corridors make MRSA go away?No, because MRSA is carried by people. Mopping floors and wiping surfaces will never get rid of all the bacteria, so rigorous basic hygiene measures are still needed. But by keeping down the amount of MRSA-containing dust and keeping surfaces free of MRSA there will be fewer opportunities for it to infect a vulnerable person. How can I reduce my risk of developing an MRSA infection?NHS Direct suggests that when you are staying in hospital, you should:4
If you are concerned about hygiene, you should not be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse if they have washed their hands before they touch you.4 In day-to-day life, you can avoid MRSA skin infections by:3
People have been worried that they could become infected with MRSA at their local gym because some equipment is shared. To minimise any potential risk, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest wiping any equipment before and after use, using a barrier (such as a clean towel or clothing) to prevent your skin touching it and showering after your workout.3 References
Pages accessed on 03/03/05 or 08/03/05. Bupa information:
Further information:
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|||
|
||||||
 |
|
|
 |
|
|