Drug Resistant Staph Infections
Antibiotic Resistant Strains of Staphylococcus Aureus
Life threatening infections are showing up more and more throughout the world. Current trends and ideas to combat this bacteria are discussed.
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that most people have, either on their skin or in their nostrils. Most of the time the bacteria poses no serious threat and can be treated easily. Unfortunately increased antibiotic resistant strains have become more prevalent, increasing the risk of serious health consequences. Two of these strains, MRSA and CR-MRSA, pose serious health risks for all.
MRSA
MRSA or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus is becoming a more commonplace and dangerous problem. Over the course of many years, this group of Staph aureus bacteria started to develop resistance to common antibiotics. These bacteria, commonly found on the skin, can become life threatening once they enter the body through cuts or scrapes. They have been known to cause pneumonia, blood infections, bone infections and tissue necrosis. It can seriously damage the lungs, heart and urinary tract systems of an individual.
In the past MRSA was seen mainly in those with chronic illnesses, weakened immune systems and those hospitalized. Today more and more healthy people, including children, are becoming infected and getting exposed to this form of bacteria.
CR-MRSA
CR-MRSA or Community-associated methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus is a new type of MRSA being seen today. Signs and symptoms include pneumonia-like symptoms, which may include chest pain, shortness of breath, cough as well as inflammation and destruction of the lung tissues. The CDC estimates that millions of people now carry CR-MRSA in their noses and that this type of strain, most likely first entered the world through the nostrils of people who had gotten it through hospital settings.
Studies done by the Centers for Disease Control and Infection are showing more staph-resistant infections in groups of people with few to no risk factors for this type of problem. Athletes, children and military recruits seem particularly vulnerable. Once infected, it’s estimated that one in ten people die from these infections.
Prevention
To prevent contracting MRSA and CR-MRSA infections one should consider the following advice:
- Wash hands often and thoroughly with warm soap and water
- Keep cuts and scrapes covered with bandages until healed, especially if participating in sports.
- Take a shower immediately after contact sports.
- Wipe down non-washable equipment with alcohol wipes or antibiotic solutions.
- Avoid contact with other people’s wounds, soiled clothes or contaminated material
- Don’t share razors, soaps, towels, clothing or uniforms.
- Launder soiled items.
- Avoid body fluids, wear gloves when needed and wash your hands regularly.
- Get tested for MRSA or see a physician if suspicious skin sores or boils appear.
- Use antibiotics only when necessary.
Treatment
Today MRSA-type infections are currently being treated with vancomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or linezolid. With time, many of these will also become Staph resistant, especially if the patient doesn't finish the entire prescription. Constant research into the development of new antibiotics is needed. The key is to catch this problem early. If it is caught, treatment will be more successful and easier than if caught late.
MRSA and CR-MRSA are serious antibiotic resistant of Staphylococcus aureus infections. Once entered into the body the potential for serious life-threatening problems can occur. Prevention includes, but is not limited to frequent hand washing and the covering of open wounds. Early detection and diagnosis is important. A doctor’s help is recommended if suspicious skin sores develop.
References
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control
