MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus )

What is Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus )?
What is MRSA?
What is the difference between colonization and infection?
How is MRSA spread?
How is MRSA diagnosed?
How is MRSA treated?
What can be done to prevent or control the spread MRSA at National Jewish?
What is good hand washing?
What do visitors/family members need to know while at National Jewish?
What precautions should family members take for infected persons at home?
What precautions should be taken in the school/day care setting?

What is Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)?

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria (germ). This bacteria is present on the skin and in the nose of many people. For most healthy people this bacteria doesn’t cause a problem. This bacteria can enter the body and cause infection. The bacteria is most likely to enter the body if:

• there is an open wound in the skin;
• or the person has a suppressed immune system.

What is MRSA?

MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Most types of S. aureus can be treated with antibiotics. Methicillin, which is like penicillin, is one antibiotic that is often used. Over time some types of S. aureus have become resistant to methicillin. This means methicillin does not work to treat the S. aureus, so another antibiotic needs to be used instead. That makes MRSA more difficult to treat.

What is the difference between colonization and infection?

Colonization means the MRSA is present in or on the body but is not causing illness. Healthy people may carry the bacteria causing MRSA without becoming ill. Infection means the MRSA is present in or on the body and is causing illness. Symptoms of MRSA may vary depending on the part of the body that is infected. Infection can commonly occur in the skin, but can also occur in any organ in the body.

How is MRSA diagnosed?

A culture of the suspected infected areas may be sent to the lab to identify the bacteria. When the S. aureus is resistant to methicillin, then MRSA is diagnosed.

How is MRSA spread?

MRSA is commonly spread by direct contact. This means MRSA is often spread by the hands. MRSA can be contracted in the hospital or community setting.

How is MRSA treated?

MRSA is difficult to treat. Since the antibiotic Methicillin does not work to treat MRSA, other antibiotics are used. Even when the infection is treated, MRSA is often still present on the skin or in the nose. This is why isolation is required during future hospital stays. If there are 3 negative cultures from the nose, groin and armpit, isolation may no longer be required. Your/your child’s health care provider will make this assessment.

What can be done to prevent or control the spread MRSA at National Jewish?

When you visit National Jewish let the health care providers know if you/your child has MRSA. Standard precautions are taken to prevent the spread of MRSA at National Jewish. Standard precautions means you/your child will follow these guidelines:

• You/your child will be in a private room during the stay at National Jewish. Movement outside the room is limited. 
• Special cleanser is available in the room for hand washing. Hand washing is recommended before leaving the room.
• A gown and gloves are worn by people who enter you/your child’s room if contact with body fluids is suspected. These are removed before leaving the room.
• A mask may need to be worn, depending on you/your child’s symptoms and culture results. In this case, the patient will also need to wear a mask when leaving the room.

What is good hand washing?

Although hand washing seems simple, make sure the hand washing is effective to prevent the spread of MRSA. Use liquid soap and scrub your hands using plenty of lather for 10-15 seconds. Rinse your hands and dry them completely.

What do visitors/family members need to know while at National Jewish?

In general, healthy people are at low risk for getting infected with MRSA. Good hand washing is recommended for family and visitors before leaving the room of a person infected with MRSA. Gloves and a gown should be worn if contact with body fluids is suspected. 

What precautions should family members take for infected persons at home?

Again, healthy people are at low risk for getting infected with MRSA. In the home, follow these guidelines:

• Caregivers should wash their hands with soap and water after contact with the infected person before leaving the home.
• Towels used for drying hands should be used only once.
• Disposable gloves should be worn if contact with body fluids is suspected.
• Linens should be changed and washed routinely, especially if they are soiled.
• Let each health care provider know the patient is colonized/infected with MRSA.

What precautions should be taken in the school/day care setting?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the MRSA in School/Childcare Setting Working Group developed guidelines in 2003. These are available on the CDPHE website ( http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/epidemiology/CO_MRSA_schools5_03.pdf ). If you live in a different state, you may also want to check with your state health department or school district.

Remember, preventing the spread of MRSA is important, because MRSA can be difficult to treat.

This information has been approved by Gwen Huitt, MD, M.S. (November 2006)