MRSA Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that is resistant or immune to various types of antibiotics. This type of bacteria generally thrives in the hospital environment, in people who have been treated intensively in hospitals and in their workers. The bacteria that thrive in the hospital environment is called healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA).
Apart from hospitals, MRSA can also develop in other community settings, such as homes, schools, offices, and especially densely populated areas. This type of MRSA infection in the environment is called community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA).
MRSA bacterial infection can cause various health problems. Starting from skin infections to severe lung infections, which can spread through blood vessels to be life-threatening.
Symptom
In Staphylococcus aureus which infects the skin, the initial symptoms that are generally felt are the formation of lumps that resemble ulcers or insect bites with the following symptoms:
- swollen
- red
- painful
- warm to the touch
- festering
- accompanied by fever
In a short time, this lump will develop into deep asbestos. In these cases, surgery is generally needed to clean the pus in it.
However, some cases continue to develop and spread throughout the body and cause serious and life-threatening disorders.
Reason
MRSA infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. One-third of the population has this bacteria on the skin or nose but its presence is not detrimental to health. If the skin is injured, these bacteria can enter the body and interfere with health. However, this disorder is generally only mild in healthy people.
The development of bacteria that are resistant to various antibiotics is an effect of the use of antibiotics outside of medical indications. Even if antibiotics are used as indicated, bacteria that are not completely killed can develop resistance. As a result, these types of bacteria are no longer easily eradicated by drugs that have been used before.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of MRSA infection is obtained by examining the tissue or nasal secretions of a suspected patient. In the laboratory, this nasal tissue or fluid is cultured in special media to see the growth of bacteria. However, this process takes at least 48 hours.
Given the considerable length of time required, nowadays shorter tests are widely used to investigate the presence of MRSA. The examination was carried out by detecting the presence of Staphylococcus aureus DNA.
Treatment
MRSA generally still responds to several types of antibiotics. This antibiotic will be used to eradicate the presence of MRSA in the patient’s body.
In some cases of abscess due to MRSA, only surgery is needed to clear the pus and if there are no more symptoms, no additional antibiotics are needed.
Complications
Cases of MRSA infection that are not handled properly can potentially threaten a person’s life. MRSA can be spread by:
- blood
- lungs
- heart
- bone
- joint
Prevention
To prevent the spread of MRSA, several things that can be done are as follows:
- Always wash your hands with soap and running water
- Cover the wound with sterile gauze and plaster
- Do not share towels, razors, clothing and sports equipment
- For workers on duty at hospitals, handling patients with MRSA must be carried out in an isolation room, using special robes, masks and disposable gloves.