MRSA Staph Infection*

MRSA is an antibiotic resistant form of staph infection that can be fatal. MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, meaning a version of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to the commonly used antibiotic Methicillin. These strains of bacteria are no more likely to cause infection than other strains of staph.

They are, however, more difficult to kill. Treatment of MRSA infections nearly always involves hospitalization, and failure to treat it properly can result in death.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are commonly found on the human body, but do not often cause infection. They can, however, enter the body through a cut, bug bite, or other break in the skin and cause infection. They can also enter the bodies of adults or children with compromised immune systems, such as older adults, children, or HIV patients, and cause pneumonia. Staph bacteria can also multiply on food, enter the body when the food is consumed, and cause infection. There are multiple ways that these bacteria can cause infection, but these infections are generally only found in people with compromised immune systems.

Staph infections, when they occur, are generally treated quite easily with antibiotics. This means that antibiotics are used frequently to clear them up. In fact, they’ve been used a little too frequently, leading to the bacteria developing antibiotic resistant strains, known as MRSA. These bacteria fail to respond to antibiotic treatment, and are constantly growing and changing, becoming resistant to more and more antibiotics constantly. They cannot be treated with oral antibiotics - in fact, overuse of oral antibiotics contributes to new strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Patients with MRSA infections often have to have IV antibiotics, combined with topical antibiotic creams applied directly to the infected area.

MRSA infections are different, in that they are NOT easily treated with antibiotics. This means that if an infection settles in, it is much more difficult to treat. Instead of a simple oral antibiotic, patients with MRSA infections often need more rigorous treatment, including, but not limited to hospitalization and IV antibiotics. Doctors often attempt to limit the use of antibiotics when treating staph infections, to avoid developing new strains of staph that are resistant to multiple antibiotics. Instead, the wounds are drained, packed with topical antibiotics, and allowed to heal more naturally. This is a slower, more painful process, but prevents these bacteria from becoming even more resistant to treatment.

If you have a bug bite, boil, or pimple that becomes inflamed, infected, or abscessed, you may have a staph infection. Have it checked by your doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to check the wound for staph bacteria. Be sure to ask your doctor if the staph infection is MRSA before you allow them to prescribe you an antibiotic. Antibiotics are useless against MRSA, and may make your condition worse, causing the bacteria to become even more resistant. Take the time to make informed decisions about your healthcare - educate yourself and your doctor about MRSA today.

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