3. Introduction
Some germs that are commonly on the skin and in the
nose are called staphylococcus or “staph” bacteria.
However, these infections are usually minor and treated
with antibiotics.
MRSA infections can range from very minor to life-
threatening. The bacteria can live on surfaces for several
days.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a
bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the
body. It's tougher to treat than most strains of
staphylococcus aureus -- or staph -- because it's resistant to
some commonly used antibiotics.
(Mayo Clinic,2022)
MRSA was first identified in the 1960’s and was mainly
found in hospital and nursing homes. In the late 1990’s a
new type of MRSA was found and this type is becoming
more common among otherwise healthy people.
4. Causes Anyone can get MRSA which is spread in much
the same way as a cold – by touching someone or
something with the bacteria on it and then
touching your eyes, nose or a cut or scrape.
Some risk factors include:
•Living in in crowded places such as corrections
facilities.
•Being in close contact with someone who has
MRSA, such as in contact sports.
•Living in a place that isn't clean.
•Sharing used personal items such as towels,
clothes, or razors.
•Having cuts, cracked skin, or open sores.
•Objects that have MRSA bacteria on them such
as desks, doorknobs or phones. (mayoclinic,2022)
The Washington post,2019
5. Signs and Symptoms
Most commonly, MRSA causes skin infections that may look like Spider
bites. Large, red, painful lumps under the skin. A cut that is swollen,
hot and filled with pus. In rare cases, MRSA can cause pneumonia and
infections in the blood, bones and urine
Symptoms of MRSA depend on the area of body infected, and
include:
• Sores or boils on the skin
• Swollen, red, painful bumps
• Fluid or pus filled bumps
• Affected area is warm to touch
• Fever
• Chills
• Low blood pressure
• Severe headache
• Shortness of breath
(mayo clinic, 2022)
6. Treatment
Most often, MRSA will be treated by draining the wound and
keeping it clean and covered until it heals. In some cases, an
antibiotic may be prescribed. In this case, since MRSA is
resistant to many antibiotics, it may be necessary to have a
lab test the bacteria to determine which antibiotic will work
best. Vancomycin or daptomycin are the agents of choice for
treatment of invasive MRSA infections
The most effective way to prevent the spread of MRSA is
frequent hand washing: Use warm soapy water or a hand
sanitizer with 60% alcohol Scrub for 20 seconds. Dry hands
thoroughly with paper towels Use paper towels to turn off
faucet and open door (CDC,2019)
7. References
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
(2022, November 8). MRSA infection. Mayo Clinic.
Retrieved December 14, 2022, from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/mrsa/symptoms-causes/syc-20375336
MRSA fact sheet - centers for disease control and prevention.
(n.d.). Retrieved December 12, 2022, from
https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/pdf/MRSA_ConsumerFactShe
et_F.pdf
Vincent Iannelli, M. D. (2022, June 22). Staph skin infections
and MRSA treatments. Verywell Health. Retrieved
December 9, 2022, from
https://www.verywellhealth.com/staph-skin-infections-and-
mrsa-2633409
WebMD. (n.d.). MRSA: Contagious, symptoms, causes,
prevention, treatments. WebMD. Retrieved December 10,
2022, from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-
treatments/understanding-mrsa
