MRSA

Poor infection control can pose a significant health threat to patients in hospital, with MRSA being at the forefront of many peoples' concerns. An alarming number of cases have been reported since 2002, many of which can be attributed to inadequate standards of hygiene and cleanliness.

What Is MRSA?

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a common skin bacterium. One in three of us in fact carry the MRSA-causing bacteria on our skin, but do not develop an infection. This is known as being 'colonised', and a healthy person will fight the bacteria without showing any signs or symptoms of illness.

In hospital, however, patients are more likely to acquire the infection. This is not only because of the high exposure to infected cases, but also because those with a weakened immune system are at a greater risk. Thus MRSA is widely thought of as a hospital acquired infection.

Who Is Most At Risk of Catching MRSA?

While it is possible to acquire MRSA anywhere, people in hospital are much more likely to develop infection. This is because:-

Many patients have a break in the skin that allows the bacteria to enter the body – eg. a catheter, a surgical wound, or a drip;
Patients in hospital have a weaker immune system;
There are many elderly patients in hospital who are particularly vulnerable to catching infection;
There is greater chance for the bacteria to spread – either from patient to patient, from staff to patient, or from infected surfaces/instruments.

Symptoms and Treatment of MRSA

MRSA infection happens when the bacteria enter through a break in the skin and multiply. Symptoms will vary depending upon which part of the body has been infected. Usually, however, MRSA will begin as a skin infection, and symptoms may include the following:-

Redness and swelling of the infected site;
Boils, abscesses and carbuncles;
Pressure sores;
Impetigo.

If the infection enters the bloodstream, a patient may develop more serious conditions such as:-

Sepsis (poisoning of the blood);
Meningitis;
Pneumonia;
Bone marrow infection;
Infection of the heart lining.

MRSA is particularly difficult to treat because the bacteria have become resilient to meticillin, a type of antibiotic. MRSA is therefore still treated with antibiotics, but a much higher dose is needed for a prolonged period of time.

Can MRSA Be Prevented?

MRSA can largely be prevented through good hygiene standards alone. Patients, visitors and staff should all take measures to ensure a high standard of hygiene is maintained. This includes regularly washing hands with antiseptic solution, sterilising all equipment and surfaces and only transferring patients between wards when absolutely necessary. Additionally, patients suspected or known to have MRSA should be isolated to prevent the infection spreading.

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