From the Guidelines
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of bacteria that has developed resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, including methicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins, and is typically treated with specific antibiotics like vancomycin, linezolid, daptomycin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. It is a variant of the common Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that normally lives on human skin and in the nose of about 30% of healthy people without causing problems 1. MRSA infections typically manifest as skin infections with symptoms including redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and pus or drainage from the affected area. These infections can range from minor skin issues like boils or abscesses to severe, life-threatening infections affecting the bloodstream, lungs, heart, bones, or surgical wounds.
Key Characteristics of MRSA
- MRSA is particularly concerning in healthcare settings where it can spread easily among patients with weakened immune systems 1.
- The bacteria developed resistance through genetic mutations and the acquisition of resistance genes, making treatment more difficult 1.
- Prevention measures include proper hand hygiene, covering wounds, not sharing personal items, and appropriate use of antibiotics to prevent further resistance development 1.
- MRSA can be controlled through rigorous systematic screening of all patients and improved infection control practices, as seen in countries like Finland and The Netherlands 1.
Treatment and Management
- The treatment of MRSA infections typically involves the use of specific antibiotics like vancomycin, linezolid, daptomycin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 1.
- Incision and drainage is the primary treatment for simple abscesses or boils, and antibiotics are not needed for these cases 1.
- For more severe infections, parenteral antibiotics are the first choice, and the use of continuous vancomycin infusions has not been shown to be clearly advantageous compared with twice-daily dosing 1.
From the Research
Definition of MRSA
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics, including methicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics 2.
- MRSA can cause a range of infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections 3, 4.
Characteristics of MRSA
- MRSA has a gene that makes it resistant to methicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics 2.
- MRSA can be part of the normal body flora, but it can also cause infection, especially in people with prolonged hospital admissions, underlying disease, or after antibiotic use 2.
- MRSA can be classified into two main types: hospital-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) and community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) 5, 6.
Types of MRSA
- Hospital-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) is typically associated with healthcare settings and can cause more severe infections 4.
- Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) is typically associated with community settings and can cause skin and soft tissue infections, such as abscesses and cellulitis 5, 6.
Treatment of MRSA Infections
- The treatment of MRSA infections depends on the severity and type of infection, as well as the antibiotic susceptibility profile of the bacteria 3, 4.
- Antibiotics such as vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin are commonly used to treat MRSA infections 3, 4, 2.
- Incision and drainage may also be necessary for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, such as abscesses 5.