Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA, is a bacteria that has developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cephalexin (Keflex). MRSA is referred to as a "superbug." Treatment of MRSA infections can be difficult and expensive. Public health officials are struggling to limit the spread of these contagious organisms, but currently they are a worldwide problem.
Types
There are two types of MRSA, hospital acquired MRSA or HA-MRSA and community acquired MRSA, or CA-MRSA. HA-MRSA typically is found in nursing homes and hospitals affecting patients who have compromised immune systems. CA-MRSA is spread among otherwise healthy individuals who are in close contact, such as members of athletic teams.
History
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, MRSA was first recognized in 1961, one year after the antibiotic methicillin was marketed to treat regular staphylococcus infections. The first documented outbreak of MRSA in the United States occurred in a Boston hospital in 1968. Until 1988, HA-MRSA was the only recognized form of MRSA and was confined to hospitals and institutions serving already sick individuals. CA-MRSA is now being spread among previously healthy individuals outside of health care settings and is now becoming prevalent over HA-MRSA in hospitals, due to staff and visitors who carry the organism.
Features
CA-MRSA most often causes skin infections characterized by red boils containing yellow exudate. They must be surgically drained and treated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that MRSA can survive on moist warm surfaces for weeks or months, or on nonporous surfaces for hours or days. Transmission occurs from infected surfaces usually on hands or gloves but also on bedding, clothing, and towels. Germs are also harbored in the nose and may enter the body through any break in the skin.
Prevention/Solution
Keeping skin infections covered and frequent hand washing are the most effective practices to prevent the spread of CA-MRSA. Clean or cover surfaces that come into direct contact with skin and throw out damaged sports equipment that cannot be thoroughly cleaned. The CDC advises that large surfaces such as walls and floors are not usually contaminated and that fogging rooms with disinfectant sprays is not helpful.
Considerations
The Mayo Clinic explains that bacteria becomes resistant to medications for several reasons. One is the natural evolution of germs that mutate to resist the actions of antibiotics. Another is the use of drugs to prevent and fight infections in livestock that leads to contamination of groundwater, streams, and foods. Antibiotics have also been prescribed inappropriately for many illnesses, particularly among children for ear infections, respiratory and flu viruses that would normally resolve without treatment. Improper use of antibiotics by consumers, such as not finishing prescriptions, also contributes to the development of superbugs.
