MRSA

Know the Facts on Community-Acquired Infections

There has been a lot of information in the media recently related to community-acquired infections. This public discussion has led to awareness and questions about infections and how all of us can protect ourselves from transmission. This Web portal was developed to provide you with factual information on community-acquired infections and what can be done.

What is MRSA and what can you do to prevent MRSA infection? Recently, the alarm over MRSA has been played out in the media and this medical issue has now caused public panic and confusion about its risks and prevention. It is very important to get accurate scientific information about MRSA in order to avoid fear and panic, and optimize prevention. If you are concerned that you may have MRSA, you should see your healthcare provider for an evaluation.

The following is a brief summary of the facts pertaining to MRSA with links to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site, which provides comprehensive information on this topic.


What is MRSA?

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus – a common bacteria which does not respond to most antibiotics. This bacteria can exist normally on the skin of healthy people – a condition referred to as “colonized” or “carrier” – or MRSA can cause serious infection.


There are Two Types of MRSA

HA-MRSA, or healthcare-acquired MRSA, was recognized in the early 1970s as the first of many antibiotic-resistant organisms, which threaten people treated in our healthcare settings, most especially those who have weakened immune systems.
- Click [HERE] for more information about HA-MRSA.

A second type of MRSA, referred to as CA-MRSA or community-acquired staph aureus, is found in persons who have had no exposure to the healthcare system and is biologically different from HA-MRSA. CA-MRSA has become a public health problem and seems to be a risk for groups such as contact sports participants, children, military recruits, and prisoners – basically any group where there is a concentration of people in a relatively restricted space.
- Click [HERE] for more information about CA-MRSA.


Prevention of HA-MRSA (Healthcare Acquired)

All hospitals have Infection Prevention and Control Programs, which strive to eliminate the risk of transmitting infection – any infection – to patients. Many of the infection prevention strategies utilized in the hospital setting are invisible to patients – they are measures, which are routine for all patients. Listed below are measures hospitals are using to reduce the transmission of HA-MRSA:

  • Patient safety is an organizational priority in all Florida hospitals. Significant resources are allocated to support this commitment.
  • All hospitals have active infection control and prevention programs, which promote evidence-based strategies in order to eliminate the risk of all healthcare-acquired infections, including MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant organisms.
  • Hospitals adhere to the recommendations of the CDC for management and prevention of the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms in healthcare settings. The most recent recommendations were published in 2006.
  • Some patients found to have infections or are colonized with antibiotic-resistant organisms, such as MRSA, may find themselves receiving intensive treatment designed to reduce the transmission of the organism. This may include:
    • Placement on an isolation precaution protocol which alerts the healthcare staff to use items such as gloves, gowns, and sometimes masks when entering the patient’s room;
    • Patients should expect their healthcare providers to wash their hands or use an anti-bacterial hand rinse whenever they enter their room and at frequent intervals during their care; and
    • Family members should be expected to honor the precautions and similarly follow the protocol.
  • Hospitals continuously evaluate the scientific literature in order to identify newly recognized strategies to prevent MRSA infections.
- Click [HERE] for more information about the prevention of MRSA in healthcare settings.

Prevention of CA-MRSA (Community-Acquired)

  • The CDC recommends basic hygiene as the most important means for preventing community-acquired MRSA:
    • Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
    • Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed; and
    • Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
    • Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
    • If someone is concerned that they might have MRSA, they should seek the evaluation of their healthcare provider.
    • Ensure your family members bathe daily, especially after playing sports or working in the yard.
    • Be an advocate for your family. If your children play team sports, speak with the program organizer and make sure the equipment is properly and regularly washed.
    • Talk to the education leaders in your community and classroom, and make sure they provide ample supplies of alcohol-based hand washes and plenty of soap.
    • The bottom line is, if we want to eliminate both hospital and community-acquired MRSA infections, we all have to work together – hospitals, caregivers, community organizations such as schools, and others. This is a never-ending battle and requires multiple approaches in order to eliminate infections.
    • The CDC’s report adds critical information about the changing nature of MRSA and provides valuable insights for those of us on the front lines of care. Please visit the CDC’s Web site and share the information with others.
    – Click [HERE] for more information about the prevention of CA-MRSA.