MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a type of staph that is generally resistant to antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. Someone can die from complications resulting from MRSA. Testing for the infection is important, as it will help prevent the spread of the infection to others and act as a preventative measure if sudden symptoms should arise such as blisters, swollen cuts, sores and warm, inflamed skin, so that treatment can be sought immediately.
Reasons
The reasons for testing for MRSA include a suspicion of the infection. This could be a cut or wound that does not heal properly or is found to have a discharge or yellow crust covering the area. Someone who has been in contact with someone who has MRSA or has had a recent hospital stay or surgery may also be tested if they have a wound that isn't healing properly or is suspicious. If someone has developed pneumonia with or without any open sores or unhealed wounds, they may also be tested for MRSA. Those who are elderly or have a weakened immune system due to HIV or lupus may also be tested to determine if they have MRSA.
Carriers
Someone can have MRSA but not show visible or immediate symptoms of the infection. They are often called carriers. This means they are colonized with MRSA. Being a carrier means that the infection exists on their skin or in their nostrils and the bacteria does not cause any life-threatening symptoms or immediate causes for concern. Many people who are carriers do not know it. The only problem with someone who is a carrier is that they can pass it on to other people and infect them. This can be done by direct casual contact such as hand-shaking or touching objects that the carrier has come in contact with. If someone has close family members or others around them with repeated MRSA infections, they should get tested for MRSA to see if they are a carrier. Carriers should practice safe and effective hand-washing techniques and bathe themselves with Chlorhexidine antiseptic soap from head to toe to prevent further spread of the disease. Applying mupirocin to the nostrils may also help prevent the spread to others from the carrier.
Wound
One way to test for MRSA is by a direct swab of the wound. This is generally done when the person is suspected of having the infection. A culture is taken and sent to the lab. Care has to be taken when swabbing the wound to prevent it from opening up further or spreading. The culture is sent to the lab, where it is placed into a nutrient solution and then observed to see if MRSA colonies are present. Results usually surface within 24 to 48 hours.
Nasal Swabbing
Nasal swabbing is another popular method of testing. A sterile swab is inserted and then removed in each nostril and then placed in an incubation tube for observation. The swab, much like the wound swab, is incubated and observed for characteristics of MRSA infection. After two days, the results will either show growth or remain the same.
Hospital Testing
In hospital settings, random screenings for MRSA may occur, especially if there is a suspicion of the infection with a staff member or a patient and their immediate family member. Some hospitals have laboratory facilities that are equipped to get a faster result to confirm MRSA. Using genetic components including the mecA gene and testing it against certain antibiotics such as oxacillin and nafcillin help to give a quicker answer to a MRSA suspicion.
