What you should know

What is MRSA?

(Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

MRSA is a bacterial infection caused by the organism,  Staphylococcus aureus (commonly called “staph”), that is resistant to a group of antibiotics including penicillin, methicillin, oxacillin, and amoxicillin.   Most cases of MRSA appear as skin infections such as pimples, boils, or lesions.  They may be red, swollen, painful, and/or filled with pus or fluid. 

What do staph infections look like?

Staph skin infections can have a variety of presentations from small pimples to large lesions.  Many times, staph infections are misdiagnosed as spider bites.  You cannot tell the difference between MRSA and other staph infections just by looking at it.  Special lab tests must be ordered to tell if bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. 

How common is staph?

Staph bacteria are very common.  About 25-30% of healthy people have staph naturally on their skin or in their noses.  About 1% of the population carries MRSA naturally on their bodies.  Most of the time, staph does not cause infection or illness.  However, if there are breaks in the skin from cuts and scrapes, a staph infection can result. 

Although MRSA infections are becoming more common in the community, most MRSA infections occur among those in hospitals or other healthcare settings.

How serious is staph and MRSA infections?

Most staph infections are minor skin infections that can be treated with antibiotics.  Some common diagnoses associated with staph infections include boils, impetigo, carbuncles, cellulitis, or abscesses.  Sometimes, staph infections can be more serious leading to bacteremia, pneumonia, or even death.  But these complications are usually associated with other risk factors such as recent hospitalization, surgery, or underlying medical conditions.  Invasive disease is not common in otherwise healthy people.

Can staph be transmitted to others?

The most common way staph infections are transmitted to others is through direct skin-to-skin contact.   Activities where there is frequent contact with others (such as playing football or living in crowded conditions) may increase the chances of acquiring a staph infection. 

Shared environmental surfaces such as athletic equipment or tabletops may play a minor role in transmission, but is not a significant factor.  Routine cleaning and sanitation of shared surfaces should be a regular practice to reduce infection and illness.

How can I prevent MRSA and other staph infections?

The best way to prevent staph infections is to practice good hygiene.  Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water.  Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors with other people.  Avoid contact with wounds and bandages of others.  If you have cuts and scrapes on your skin, keep them clean and covered to prevent infection.

Who is at risk for getting MRSA infections?

MRSA is most common when the 5 ‘s are present:

Crowded conditions (such as in prisons, or homeless shelters)

Contact with others (direct skin-to-skin contact)

Compromised skin (having cuts in skin)

Contaminated surfaces

Lack of Cleanliness

Other risk factors include recent history of hospitalization or surgery, residence at a long-term care facility, use of invasive medical devices (such as catheters), high-contact sports, injection drug use, and underlying health conditions.

Can MRSA be treated?

Yes.  Even though MRSA is resistant to some antibiotics, it can be treated with others.  It is important for medical providers to do appropriate testing to determine which antibiotics will be effective.  A culture of the wound or abscess will determine if the infection is indeed caused by staph.  A drug sensitivity test will determine which antibiotics the staph can be treated with.

I’ve been hearing a lot about MRSA lately.  Is MRSA a new disease?

No, MRSA is not a new disease. MRSA has been around for decades.  It used to be found primarily in hospital settings, but is now becoming more common in the general community.  Much of the recent attention has been due to the media coverage, and is NOT the result of a new epidemic.

What should I do if I have a staph infection?

If you think you have a staph skin infection, keep the area clean, dry, and covered with a bandage.  See a physician to determine if the infection is caused by staph, MRSA, or some other organism.  If antibiotic treatment is prescribed, make sure to take the entire course of medication.  Don’t save antibiotics for later use because this can lead to increased antibiotic resistance.  Take responsibility to prevent passing the infection to others.  Practice good hygiene and encourage those around you to do the same.  Don’t share your personal items..

Someone I know has a staph infection.  What should I do?

Don’t be alarmed.  Remember that staph is a common type of bacteria and most staph infections are minor.  Also, the staph infection may not be MRSA and can be easily treated with antibiotics.  Protect yourself by practicing good hygiene and washing your hands frequently.  Avoid contact with the lesions of others.  Encourage those with infections to also take steps to prevent transmission such as covering the wound.

Page Reviewed: November 8, 2007