MERCY MERCY MRSA!!

Mercy mercy mrsa!! Mrsa is a staph (bacteria) infection that is resistant to antibiotics that are commonly used to treat staph infections. It can be associated with “healthcare” exposure (ha-mrsa) – surgery, hospitalization, dialysis or residence in long-term care facility. It can also occur in the absence of healthcare exposure (ca-mrsa).

Ha-mrsa is associated with severe, invasive disease including septicemia and pneumonia. Risk factors include antibiotic use, prolonged hospitalization, intensive care, hemodialysis, mrsa colonization and proximithy to others with mrsa colonization.
Community associated mrsa (ca-mrsa) is most often seen as skin and soft tissue infections in young healthy individuals. Minor skin trauma is sometimes a risk factor but often there are no risk factors.

Asymptomatic colonization (asymptomatic carrier status) can occur with bacteria living in the nose, skin, throat, or intestines. Mrsa can survive on surfaces and be transimitted between people through touching of contaminated things.

Hand washing continues to be the best preventative measure to prevent transmission between people. Culturing of nares is done in carriers to help decrease chance of bringing the infection into the hospital when surgery is necessary.

The providers at women’s health care are happy to answer any questions you may have about mrsa and its risk to your health. Contact us at 503-435-2020 to schedule an appointment.

Paid Advertising Column By Kay E. Case, M.D.
Physician and Surgeon, Women's Health Care