Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Overview

When Willow was 2 weeks old we discovered her right breast had significantly swollen and turned red. We took her to the pediatrician to have it checked out and were immediately directed to the Children's Hospital Emergency Room since it was a suspected (and later confirmed) Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infection. This is a potentially deadly infection, especially in babies that are so small. It was a harrowing 4 days in the hospital that no new parent should have to go through.

Even now, more than a year later, it scares me to think that Willow could have died as a result of that infection so I thought I would talk about it here and kind of "get the word out" about it.

Before we talk about MRSA, we should know what Staphylococcus Aureus is. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 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's the difference between "staph" and MRSA? Again, according to the CDC, 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.

About 1% of the population get to be the lucky ones to contract MRSA, huh? But, how do you even get it to begin with? Well, people in hospitals and health care facilities are usually the one to get MRSA due to their weakened immune system. However, there is also something called Community Associated (CA) MRSA. This occurs when an otherwise healthy person contracts the infection. Staph or MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boils, and occur in otherwise healthy people.

Now, what does it mean to be "Antibiotic Resistant"? According to the Mayo Clinic, although the survival tactics of bacteria contribute to antibiotic resistance, humans bear most of the responsibility for the problem.

Leading causes of antibiotic resistance include:

• Unnecessary antibiotic use. Like other superbugs, MRSA is the result of decades of excessive and unnecessary antibiotic use. For years, antibiotics have been prescribed for colds, flu and other viral infections that don't respond to these drugs, as well as for simple bacterial infections that normally clear on their own. Why? Because people go to the doctor and expect a prescription, even if it will not help you.


• Antibiotics in food and water. Prescription drugs aren't the only source of antibiotics. In the United States, antibiotics can be found in livestock. These antibiotics find their way into municipal water systems when the runoff from feedlots contaminates streams and groundwater.


• Germ mutation. Even when antibiotics are used appropriately, they contribute to the rise of drug-resistant bacteria because they don't destroy every germ they target. Bacteria live on an evolutionary fast track, so germs that survive treatment with one antibiotic soon learn to resist others. And because bacteria mutate much more quickly than new drugs can be produced, some germs end up resistant to just about everything. That's why only a handful of drugs are now effective against most forms of staph.
  

How do you know if your infection is one that needs to be treated? Well, you should keep an eye on any skin irritations and be looking for three things:

1. Redness


2. Foul-smelling puss


3. Fever
   

For those of you who are visual people, here is a picture for you (click to enlarge)

MRSA infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses.
(Picture from the Mayo Clinic)

What can you do to prevent getting a staph infection? According to the Mayo Clinic, you can prevent spreading staph or MRSA skin infections to others by following these steps:

1. Wash your hands. Careful hand washing remains your best defense against germs. Scrub hands briskly for at least 15 seconds, then dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol for times when you don't have access to soap and water.


2. Keep personal items personal. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. MRSA spreads on contaminated objects as well as through direct contact.


3. Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores may contain MRSA, and keeping wounds covered will help keep the bacteria from spreading.


4. Shower after athletic games or practices. Shower immediately after each game or practice. Use soap and water. Don't share towels.


5. Sit out athletic games or practices if you have a concerning infection. If you have a wound that's draining or appears infected — for example, is red, swollen, warm to the touch or tender — consider sitting out athletic games or practices until the wound has healed.


6. Sanitize linens. If you have a cut or sore, wash towels and bed linens in a washing machine set to the "hot" water setting (with added bleach, if possible) and dry them in a hot dryer. Wash gym and athletic clothes after each wearing.


7. Get tested. If you have a skin infection that requires treatment, ask your doctor if you should be tested for MRSA. Doctors may prescribe drugs that aren't effective against antibiotic-resistant staph, which delays treatment and creates more resistant germs. Testing specifically for MRSA may get you the specific antibiotic you need to effectively treat your infection.


8. Use antibiotics appropriately. When you're prescribed an antibiotic, take all of the doses, even if the infection is getting better. Don't stop until your doctor tells you to stop. Don't share antibiotics with others or save unfinished antibiotics for another time. Inappropriate use of antibiotics, including not taking all of your prescription and overuse, contributes to resistance. If your infection isn't improving after a few days of taking an antibiotic, contact your doctor.
   

And keep in mind that all infections have the potential to be serious, including your everyday pimple. Like anything else in this world, hygiene seems to play an important role in keeping you and your family safe. I carry around a mini bottle of hand sanitizer myself...I hope you found this information helpful!!