MRSA Questions & Answers
What is MRSA?
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria
that is resistant to certain or all types of the beta-lactam classes of
antibiotics, such as penicillins, penicillinase-resistant penicillins
(e.g. cloxacillin) and cephalosporins. MRSA are strains of S. aureus
that have an MIC to oxacillin of ≥ 4 mcg/ml. or contain the mecA gene
coding for penicillin binding protein 2a (PBP 2a).
What causes MRSA?
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria lives on the skin, nose, the
lower intestine, and may cause an infection and resist antibiotics
(people may carry the bacteria without having symptoms). Risk factors
for MRSA acquisition include invasive procedures, prior treatment with
antibiotics, prolonged hospital stay, stay in an intensive care or burn
unit, surgical wound infection and close proximity to a colonized. MRSA
can also be transmitted from mother to child through breast milk.
How does MRSA spread?
The spread of MRSA occurs through contact and can live on surfaces for
months. Good hand hygiene is the single-most effective way to prevent
the spread of infectious diseases like MRSA. Mild cases may not require
treatment and severe cases may require other antibiotics. |
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