What is MRSA?

Question

What are the symptoms? How do you get it? Is it contagious? Does it go away? How do they treat it?

Answer 1

Community-Associated MRSA Information for the Public
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received inquiries about infections with
antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]) among
persons who have no apparent contact with the healthcare system. This fact sheet addresses some of the
most frequently asked questions.
􀁺 Questions
􀁺 References
Questions addressed on this page
􀁺 What is Staphylococcus aureus (staph)?
􀁺 What is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)?
􀁺 Who gets staph or MRSA infections?
􀁺 What is community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA)?
􀁺 How common are staph and MRSA infections?
􀁺 What does a staph or MRSA infection look like?
􀁺 Are certain people at increased risk for community-associated staph or MRSA infections?
􀁺 How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections?
􀁺 Are people who are positive for the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) at increased risk for
MRSA? Should they be taking special precautions?
􀁺 Can I get a staph or MRSA infection at my health club?
􀁺 What should I do if I think I have a staph or MRSA infection?
􀁺 Are staph and MRSA infections treatable?
􀁺 Is it possible that my staph or MRSA skin infection will come back after it is cured?
􀁺 If I have a staph, or MRSA skin infection, what can I do to prevent others from getting
infected?
􀁺 What should I do if someone I know has a staph or MRSA infection?
Questions and Answers
Released: February 3, 2005
What is Staphylococcus aureus (staph)?
Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in
the nose of healthy people. Approximately 25% to 30% of the population is colonized (when bacteria are
present, but not causing an infection) in the nose with staph bacteria. Sometimes, staph can cause an
infection. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most
of these skin infections are minor (such as pimples and boils) and can be treated without antibiotics (also
known as antimicrobials or antibacterials). However, staph bacteria also can cause serious infections (such
as surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia).
What is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)?
Some staph bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics
called beta-lactams. Beta-lactam antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as
oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. While 25% to 30% of the population is colonized with staph,
approximately 1% is colonized with MRSA.
CDC Infection Control in Healthcare Page 1 of 3
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html 10/18/07
Released: February 3, 2005
What is Staphylococcus aureus (staph)?
Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose
of healthy people. Approximately 25% to 30% of the population is colonized (when bacteria are present, but not
causing an infection) in the nose with staph bacteria. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection. Staph bacteria are one
of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor (such as
pimples and boils) and can be treated without antibiotics (also known as antimicrobials or antibacterials). However,
staph bacteria also can cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and
pneumonia).
What is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)?
Some staph bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics called betalactams.
Beta-lactam antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin
and amoxicillin. While 25% to 30% of the population is colonized with staph, approximately 1% is colonized with
MRSA.
Who gets staph or MRSA infections?
Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such
as nursing homes and dialysis centers) who have weakened immune systems. These healthcare-associated staph
infections include surgical wound infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.
What is community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA)?
Staph and MRSA can also cause illness in persons outside of hospitals and healthcare facilities. MRSA infections
that are acquired by persons who have not been recently (within the past year) hospitalized or had a medical
procedure (such as dialysis, surgery, catheters) are know as CA-MRSA infections. Staph or MRSA infections in the
community are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boils, and occur in otherwise healthy
people.
How common are staph and MRSA infections?
Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infection in the United States and are a common cause of
pneumonia, surgical wound infections, and bloodstream infections. The majority of MRSA infections occur among
patients in hospitals or other healthcare settings; however, it is becoming more common in the community setting.
Data from a prospective study in 2003, suggests that 12% of clinical MRSA infections are community-associated,
but this varies by geographic region and population.
What does a staph or MRSA infection look like?
Staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections that may look like a pimple or boil and can be red,
¶
Who gets staph or MRSA infections?
Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare
facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers) who have weakened immune systems. These
healthcare-associated staph infections include surgical wound infections, urinary tract infections,
bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.
What is community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA)?
Staph and MRSA can also cause illness in persons outside of hospitals and healthcare facilities. MRSA
infections that are acquired by persons who have not been recently (within the past year) hospitalized or
had a medical procedure (such as dialysis, surgery, catheters) are know as CA-MRSA infections. Staph or
MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boils,
and occur in otherwise healthy people.
How common are staph and MRSA infections?
Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infection in the United States and are a common
cause of pneumonia, surgical wound infections, and bloodstream infections. The majority of MRSA
infections occur among patients in hospitals or other healthcare settings; however, it is becoming more
common in the community setting. Data from a prospective study in 2003, suggests that 12% of clinical
MRSA infections are community-associated, but this varies by geographic region and population.
What does a staph or MRSA infection look like?
Staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections that may look like a pimple or boil and can be
red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. More serious infections may cause pneumonia,
bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections.
Are certain people at increased risk for community-associated staph or MRSA infections?
CDC has investigated clusters of CA-MRSA skin infections among athletes, military recruits, children,
Pacific Islanders, Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, men who have sex with men, and prisoners.
Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin
contact, openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living
conditions, and poor hygiene.
How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections?
Practice good hygiene:
1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer.
2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
3. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
Are people who are positive for the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) at increased risk for
MRSA? Should they be taking special precautions?
People with weakened immune systems, which include some patients with HIV infection, may be at risk
for more severe illness if they get infected with MRSA. People with HIV should follow the same
prevention measures as those without HIV to prevent staph infections, including practice good hygiene,
cover wounds (e.g., cuts or abrasions) with clean dry bandages, avoid sharing personal items such as towels
and razors, and contact their doctor if they think they have an infection.
CDC Infection Control in Healthcare Page 2 of 3
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html 10/18/07
The majority of MRSA infections occur among patients in hospitals or other healthcare settings; however, it is
becoming more common in the community setting. Data from a prospective study in 2003, suggests that 12% of
clinical MRSA infections are community-associated, but this varies by geographic region and population.
What does a staph or MRSA infection look like?
Staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections that may look like a pimple or boil and can be red,
swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. More serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream
infections, or surgical wound infections.
Are certain people at increased risk for community-associated staph or MRSA infections?
CDC has investigated clusters of CA-MRSA skin infections among athletes, military recruits, children, Pacific
Islanders, Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, men who have sex with men, and prisoners.
Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin contact,
openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and
poor hygiene.
How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections?
Practice good hygiene:
• Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
Are people who are positive for the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) at increased risk for MRSA? Should
they be taking special precautions?
People with weakened immune systems, which include some patients with HIV infection, may be at risk for more
severe illness if they get infected with MRSA. People with HIV should follow the same prevention measures as
those without HIV to prevent staph infections, including practice good hygiene, cover wounds (e.g., cuts or
abrasions) with clean dry bandages, avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors, and contact their doctor
if they think they have an infection.
Can I get a staph or MRSA infection at my health club?
In the outbreaks of MRSA, the environment has not played a significant role in the transmission of MRSA. MRSA
is transmitted most frequently by direct skin-to-skin contact. You can protect yourself from infections by practicing
good hygiene (e.g., keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub
and showering after working out); covering any open skin area such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage;
avoiding sharing personal items such as towels or razors; using a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your
skin and shared equipment; and wiping surfaces of equipment before and after use.
What should I do if I think I have a staph or MRSA infection?
See your healthcare provider.
Are staph and MRSA infections treatable?
Yes. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with antibiotics. If you are given an antibiotic, take all of the
doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Do not share antibiotics
with other people or save unfinished antibiotics to use at another time.
Can I get a staph or MRSA infection at my health club?
In the outbreaks of MRSA, the environment has not played a significant role in the transmission of MRSA.
MRSA is transmitted most frequently by direct skin-to-skin contact. You can protect yourself from
infections by practicing good hygiene (e.g., keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water or
using an alcohol-based hand rub and showering after working out); covering any open skin area such as
abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage; avoiding sharing personal items such as towels or razors; using
a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment; and wiping surfaces of
equipment before and after use.
What should I do if I think I have a staph or MRSA infection?
See your healthcare provider.
Are staph and MRSA infections treatable?
Yes. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with antibiotics. If you are given an antibiotic, take all
of the doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Do not
share antibiotics with other people or save unfinished antibiotics to use at another time.
However, many staph skin infections may be treated by draining the abscess or boil and may not require
antibiotics. Drainage of skin boils or abscesses should only be done by a healthcare provider.
If after visiting your healthcare provider the infection is not getting better after a few days, contact them
again. If other people you know or live with get the same infection tell them to go to their healthcare
provider.
Is it possible that my staph or MRSA skin infection will come back after it is cured?
Yes. It is possible to have a staph or MRSA skin infection come back (recur) after it is cured. To prevent
this from happening, follow your healthcare provider’s directions while you have the infection, and follow
the prevention steps
CDC Infection Control in Healthcare Page 3 of 3
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_p 10/18/07

Answer 2

You want to know about MRSA? Okay, so I'll tel you. MRSA is an acronym that stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus, or Staph a. as it's more informally known, is a very common bacteria. We all have it on our skin and in our noses most of the time. And for those with healthy immune systems, this bacteria never causes a problem. Methicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the penicillin family and was once widely used to treat Staph infections. Unfortunately, it overused (over-prescribed) and misused (patients didn't complete their presciptions) and over time, the bacteria became resistant to penicillins and antibiotics that work in the same way as penicillins. Back in the late 90s, memos went out by mail to doctors and other prescribing providers to back off from over-prescribing antibiotics because of this mounting problem. Patients continued to demand antibiotics even when unnecessary although some doctors did back off. That's the history. MRSA infections are mostly treatable and there are antibiotics that they are susceptible to. When undertreated or ignored, the infection may eventually colonize. That means it's in such great numbers and has such a toehold, that it's permanent but there's no active infection and the bacteria causes no harm to the host. MRSA infections can occur in a number of places. The nasal cavity is a common one as the environment is ideal for this bacteria. Other sites include the eyes, ears, the respiratory tract, the skin, in wound beds and in the urine. Your version is only one of many so don't get the mistaken idea that this is the only kind of MRSA infection there is. Another common misconception is that MRSA is the same as an MRSA infection. Wrong! One is the bacteria and the other is the infection. To say "I have MRSA" means little. I probably have some on my skin at this moment. The presence of the bacteria isn't the same as having an infection. Get that clearly understood. If you are aggressively and appropriately treated, you could be free of infection in 7-14 days. In my hospital, we treat MRSA infections aggressively both systemically and topically, when a topical treatment applies. In your case, I'd recommend chlorhexadine liquid soap which is marketed under the name of Hibiclens and Hibistat, to name two. Speak to your doctor about this to make sure there are no contraindications to your using it. If you get the go-ahead, you will wash yourself with soap and warm water, then apply the least amount of Hibiclens needed to cover the affected areas, straight out of the bottle, do not dilute! Lather and leave on for 3 minutes. Rinse and dry. Don't think that you're doomed to have an MRSA infection forever.