Mercer disease is the MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection. It is a serious condition that is resistant to treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics. There are two main types of Mercer known as community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) and the health care-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA). MRSA infection presents initially as small red bumps which rapidly change to deep abscesses that can potentially penetrate into the body, sometimes causing fatal infections.
Staph Infection
A staph infection, of which MRSA is one type, results from Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. These bacteria are generally harmless and can be found commonly on your skin, but if they enter into the body they have the potential to cause serious infection. Most commonly, serious staph infections afflict the elderly and those with weak immune systems. Recently, some cases of Mercer have been occurring among high school and college athletes who use the same sports equipment and other items.
Antibiotic Resistance
One startling fact regarding MRSA is that it cannot be cured by the broad-spectrum antibiotics physicians have typically relied on to treat staph infections. MRSA is classified as a "superbug," an infection that does not respond to the routine round of antibiotics. Superbugs have arisen in part due to the over-prescribing of antibiotics for everything from minor bacterial infections to colds and influenza, which are viral and, therefore, not impacted by antibiotic treatment. Some bacteria have mutated rapidly to the point where many antibiotics have no effect on them. Also contributing to this resistance is the presence of antibiotics in today's water supplies and food sources.
Risk Factors
Mercer disease afflicts certain populations more often than others. The CA-MRSA is most often found in children, athletes participating in contact sports, those who share towels and sports uniforms, people who live in crowded and unclean conditions and those with suppressed immune systems. Risk factors for HA-MRSA infection include nursing home residents, those recently hospitalized, those who have antibiotics in the recent past and person on dialysis or those who use invasive devices, such as feeding tubes or catheters.
Treatment
One a physician has diagnosed MRSA she may prescribe vancomycin or another antibiotic that remains effective against the infection. Physicians are concerned the number of antibiotics capable of curing Mercer disease will continue to decrease as the staph bacteria continues to mutate. In some situations, antibiotics may not be used against Mercer at all. Doctors may simply treat the abscesses by draining them so they are able to heal. This can only be done, of course, for superficial abscesses.
Preventative Measure
The best way to prevent an outbreak of Mercer is to be careful regarding contact with others. One of the most effective measures you can take against all infections is to carefully wash your hands with soap and water. Other hygiene initiatives you can take are to not share personal items, such as razors, combs, clothing and towels. You should also shower immediately following athletic practices or games and sanitize the linens you use. Keep any wounds you have bandaged until healed. If you suspect you have an infection, remove yourself from the general population and see a physician as you many need to be tested for MRSA disease.
