MRSA "SUPERBUG" INFECTION

MRSA Overview

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) is an opportunistic infection - it can be completely harmless in the healthy, but cause infection in the immunocompromised.

MRSA is passed from person to person through sub-optimal hygiene.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin.

Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers) who have weakened immune systems.

MRSA infections that are acquired by persons who have not been recently (within the past year) hospitalized or had a medical procedure (such as dialysis, surgery, catheters) are know as Community-Acquired-MRSA infections.

Staph or MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boils, and occur in otherwise healthy people.

Prevention and Control of MRSA

Basic infection control practices are key to the prevention and control of MRSA in healthcare settings.

Better infection control & hygiene in hospitals, plus controlled & prudent use of antibiotics, is required to minimise the impact of MRSA & the spread of infections.