What is MRSA?
MRSA stands for meticillin resistant staphylococcus aureus. These are strains of common bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics such as penicillin. MRSA causes the same type of infections as antibiotic sensitive strains but they are harder to treat.
About 30% of the general population carry Staphylococcus aureus in their nose or on their skin as part of the normal bacteria living on our bodies. The majority of people with MRSA are 'colonised' – this means that they carry the bacteria harmlessly and suffer no ill effects. In a few people it may cause infection, ranging from boils and abscesses to more serious infections such as septicaemia (blood poisoning).
Who is at risk?
The risk of getting an MRSA infection in hospital is very low and through our strict infection control practices we are working to reduce this even further. Risk factors for infection include:
- the very young or very elderly
- surgery
- chronic wounds such as leg ulcers
- chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and kidney failure
- poor immune system
- antibiotic use
- the use of medical equipment such as catheters or drips.
Having more than one risk factor increases the chance of infection.
MRSA can be found on people both in hospital and in the general community, although patients in hospital are more likely to develop infection because of the risk factors.
How can you tell if someone has MRSA?
The only way to tell if someone has MRSA is to grow the bacteria in the laboratory from a swab taken from the patient’s nose or skin.
How is MRSA spread?
It is usually spread by person to person contact, mainly by the hands. This is why good hand hygiene by everyone is so important. It may also be found in dusty environments.
How does MRSA affect the way patients are treated in hospital?
Whenever possible patients with MRSA are nursed in a single room using special precautions to protect other patients. Usually MRSA skin treatment is given and this involves washing with an antiseptic soap or shampoo, a nasal ointment and antibacterial talcum powder. Normally this causes no ill effects, but if the skin becomes irritated, the treatment should be stopped and a member of staff informed.
Occasionally antibiotics are also necessary if the patient has an infection. The laboratory will be able to recommend an antibiotic which can treat the infection.
Are visitors at risk?
No; family and friends can be reassured MRSA is not a risk for healthy people, including pregnant women, children and babies. Visitors do not need to wear gloves or aprons when visiting, but should wash their hands or use alcohol rub before leaving the ward.
Can I go home with MRSA and what precautions will I need to take?
Having MRSA will not stop you from going home, provided that you are medically fit. If you do have an infection due to MRSA, you may have to stay in hospital until it shows signs of clearing up. This is the same as for any infection.
When discharged home, patients should follow normal good hygiene practices and keep wounds covered until healed. No other special precautions are required.
