MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that does not die in the presence of the antibiotic methicillin. The common use of methicillin as a deterrent for Staphylococcus aureus related infections in the past has caused mutations in some strains that allow the organism to survive in the presence of a compound that is usually deadly.
Draining of Sores
A localized infection, commonly on the surface of the skin, may have methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus associated with it. Treatment often occurs in a physician's office by draining any sores that are present.
Antibiotics
While methicillin is no longer effective in the treatment of MRSA, many other antibiotics can still potentially control the organism. The University of Maryland Medical Center lists vancomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, minocycline, linezolid, doxycycline, daptomycin, and clindamycin as potentially effective antibiotics. It is important to remember not to use such antibiotics without explicit instructions from a physician. Over time, the organism could become resistant to many other antibiotics with improper use or overuse. Delivery of antibiotics may occur topically with a cream or ointment, orally or intravenously, typically depending on the severity of the infection.
Treatment for Serious Infections
While some infections involving MRSA can be mild, other cases can be quite serious. When the MRSA infection has spread to the kidneys, dialysis may be necessary to regain kidney function. In this procedure, a machine aids in cleaning the blood and removing wastes from the body. Loss of kidney function as a result of a MRSA infection can lead to death if untreated.
MRSA may also spread to the blood, resulting in reduced ability for the blood to carry oxygen throughout the body. In these cases, the patient may be given oxygen treatment to aid in oxygen delivery to organs and tissues.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: MRSA-Treatment
- "Microbiology: 6th Edition"; Lansing Prescott, John Harley and Donald Klein; 2005
