MRSA Symptoms

Here is a brief MRSA information pack.

What is MRSA?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that causes difficult to treat infections. It is a more resistant variation of Staphylococcus aureus (SA).

Where is MRSA Found?

About 30% of people in the UK carry MRSA in their nose or on their skin. It does not become a problem unless it enters the body.

Symptoms of MRSA

In the first instance boils, abscesses, sties, carbuncles and impetigo may develop. Once MRSA enters the blood stream Septicaemia, septic shock, lung infection and infection of the heart lining can occur.

The Spreading of MRSA

MRSA can be spread via the hands (skin-to-skin contact), by sneezing or by touching shared equipment that is also used by someone with MRSA.

Information About Hospital Acquired MRSA

Hospital Acquired MRSA strikes around 100,000 people every year, which is about 44% of all cases. This costs the NHS £1 billion annually. Government statistics point to an increase in hospital MRSA of 60% over the past decade. The Office For National Statistics found that MRSA deaths are around 1,650 (recorded in 2005 and 2006).

The Spreading of Hospital MRSA

Inadequate cleaning and hygiene procedures by hospital staff are the main cause of MRSA in hospitals. This is the means by which MRSA bacteria can transfer from patient to patient. Healthcare workers may pick up the bacteria on their clothes or on their hands. Hospital equipment also may not be adequately cleaned.

Community Acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA)

Carriers of CA-MRSA do not necessarily demonstrate symptoms of MRSA. Strains of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) are unable to colonise their hosts for long periods of time before causing infections. CA-MRSA is relatively harmless and if symptoms do occur it may be in the form of boils or minor infections.

‘Killer’ MRSA

In contrast ‘Killer’ MRSA destroys the immune system. It is a rare mutation of MRSA. Symptoms may include pneumonia, very high temperatures and coughing up blood. If it spreads to the lungs only a quarter of victims survive.

Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA)

VRSA is a rare strain of MRSA that is resistant to Vancomycin. Vancomycin is the drug of last resort and is used when all other drugs have failed to treat MRSA.

Efforts To Combat MRSA

The Labour government have launched a programme that will see hospitals ‘deep cleaned’. However, we have been taking measures to combat MRSA for some time.

In the 1990′s, the NHS was isolating all patients with MRSA and screening all staff. If staff were carrying MRSA, then they would be removed from work until they had undergone eradication therapy.

Since 2004, the ‘clean your hands’ campaign has led to alcohol-based hand rubs being placed at the entrance to wards and near all beds. Staff and visitors are encouraged to wash their hands regularly.

The number of cleaners in the NHS fell from 100,000 in 1984 to 55,000 in 2004. This trend must be reversed if the battle with MRSA is to be won. Furthermore, the contractual arrangements made with the private sector responsible for cleaning hospitals should be reassessed.

The reintroduction of matrons, continuous MRSA education programmes directed at hospital staff and new powers given to hospital nurses to ensure that visitors wash their hands regularly are crucial if we are to be successful in combating MRSA.

Guidelines To Understanding and Combating MRSA

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a bacterium that causes difficult to treat infections. It is a more resistant variation of Staphylococcus aureus (SA).

Being Colonised With SA

About one third of the population are carriers of SA bacteria but show no symptoms. These people are said to be colonised.

Developing an SA Infection

Anybody colonised with SA can potentially develop an SA infection later in life. This happens when SA bacteria enters the body via a wound or cut. This is particularly dangerous if it enters the body of someone with a weak immune system.

Hospital-Acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA)

Hospitalised patients often have weaker immune systems. This makes an infection more likely. Furthermore, medical equipment such as catheters can harbour bacteria. Regular use of antibiotics has, in part, contributed to Staphylococcus aureus becoming Methicillin-resistant, hence MRSA. According to government figures, cases of hospital MRSA have increased by 600% over the past decade in England and Wales.

Community-Acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA)

This strain is relatively harmless and may cause boils or minor infections. Outbreaks of CA-MRSA are most common among children, military personnel and people living in other crowded environments such as prisons. Poor hygiene and cuts on the skin will certainly make infection more likely.

Guidelines to Identifying the Symptoms of MRSA

MRSA may begin as a skin infection such as a boil or pimple. From this a furuncle or large boil may develop. A localised cellulitis (characterised by redness, swelling and pain) might appear on the skin. Impetigo, darkening, blistering or necrosis of the skin can develop.

If the infection proceeds to a person’s bloodstream it will produce bacteremia, which is the growth of bacteria in the blood stream. Fever, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, or hypotension can result in septic shock.

If MRSA is unchecked a person may develop pneumonia, infection of the heart valves, meningitis, spinal abscesses or necrosis of extensive areas of skin that can prove fatal. Infection of prosthetic devices used by a patient may also complicate the situation.

Guidelines to Preventing an MRSA Infection

MRSA bacteria are spread through skin-to-skin contact and by touching objects contaminated with the bacteria. To prevent infection, a person should:

• Wash their hands with soap and water. This is the most effective way to prevent the spreading of MRSA;
• Wash their hands for a minimum of twenty seconds and ideally dry them with a disposable towel;
• Use an alcohol sanitizer;
• Clean any cuts and cover them with a bandage;
• Never touch other peoples’ bandages or cuts;
• Not share personal hygiene items such as towels, clothing, soap bars and razors.

Guidelines to Treating an MRSA Infection

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat an SA skin infection. However, when the infection becomes resistant to the Methicillin antibiotic, the patient is said to be suffering from MRSA. There are, however, some antibiotics that can treat MRSA infections. Linezolid and Vancomycin, examples of drugs that still retain potency against MRSA, although, in a very small number of cases Vancomycin-resistant SA has developed (VRSA).

Guidelines to Combating MRSA – The Individual

Combating MRSA requires coordinated action. For members of the public visiting hospitals, the alcohol-based cleansers should be used before entering the ward, whilst in the patient’s room, and also when leaving the ward (as regularly as possible).
For healthcare workers, the alcohol based substances provided should be used in addition to regular hand washing. Healthcare workers not following this protocol should be reported to line managers.
Ultimately, not maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness is putting lives at risk.
Community-Associated