MRSA Treatment

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 bacteriaMRSA invades the body in two ways - through colonization and infection. Patients who have been colonized are carrying

MRSA in or on their body, but show no symptoms of the disease. They can, however, share the disease with others. MRSA infection occurs when the disease enters the body through an orifice or open wound, causing symptoms of staph infection.

Treatment for Patients Colonized with MRSA

Patients who have been colonized with MRSA are carrying MRSA on their body, but are not yet infected. These patients can be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of spreading the bacteria to other sites on their body, or of spreading it to other patients.

The antibiotic Bactroban is often effective against MRSA colonization. The bacteria have not yet developed a resistance to this drug. It is a special antibiotic that is either applied topically to the skin, or applied to the inside of the nose.

With regards to MRSA colonization, prevention is key. All surfaces and linens that are in contact with an infected patient must be sterilized, and hands must be washed regularly. Preventing MRSA colonization and infection is far easier than treating the illness.

Treatment for Patients Infected with MRSA

Once patients are infected with MRSA, treatment options narrow. MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics, and nearly all oral antibiotics. This means that patients must be hospitalized to receive treatment.

Two antibiotics that are still effective in treating MRSA bacteria are vancomycin and teicoplanin. Vancomycin must be administered via a slow IV drip. Administering it otherwise (IM, IV injection) is extremely painful. Teicoplanin can be administered by IM injection or IV drip. Patients must be carefully monitored throughout treatment to ensure that the antibiotics are fighting the bacteria effectively.

It is also absolutely essential that proper containment measures be put into effect. Contact with MRSA infected patients should be limited to essential staff, and all linens and inanimate objects must be sterilized after contact.

Preventing further spread of the disease is essential

MRSA infections are dangerous and difficult to treat, often requiring hospitalization. Those especially at risk of infection include children, the elderly, and others with compromised immune systems, such as HIV patients. If you or someone you know is at risk of contracting a staph or MRSA infection, educate yourself about proper containment methods. Learning how to minimize your exposure to these harmful bacteria could save you expensive medical bills and spare you the emotional effects of a long term illness.

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