MRSA Flashcards
What does MRSA stand for?
Meticillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus.
What is MRSA resistant to?
Most beta-lactam antibiotics, anti-staphylococcal penicillins, and cephalosporin.
Why is MRSA resistant to beta-lactams?
It produces penicillin binding protein 2a.
Where can people be colonised with staphylococcus aureus, and how can this cause infection?
Nasal, axillae, groin and gastrointestinal tract.
Breaching of the hosts defences can subsequently lead to infection. People who have an impaired immune system are particularly at risk of developing these infections.
List some MRSA-causing infections.
Endocarditis.
Pneumonia.
Skin or soft-tissue infections.
Syndromes of bacteraemia.
Joint infections.
How is MRSA spread?
It is a frequently a hospital-acquired infection.
It is spread through skin to skin contact, with one of the people living with MRSA on their skin.
Contact with inanimate objects, such as bed sheets, towels, clothes and door handles, that an infected person has touched.
What is the gram stain for MRSA?
Gram-positive staphylococci.
How is MRSA infection spread controlled?
Active screening for high-risk patients and exposed healthcare workers.
Hand hygiene - frequent washing of hands with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand gels.
Isolation of infected patients.
What are the common symptoms of an MRSA infection?
Cardinal symptoms of inflammation - redness, swelling, warmth, pain.
Pus.
A temperature greater than 38 degrees Celsius, and chills.
Aches and pains.
Dizziness and confusion.
How is MRSA screened for?
Swabs from the frequently colonised areas:
- Axilla.
- Groin.
- Nose.
- Throat.
- Damaged skin.
How is an MRSA-infected patient managed?
Topical antibacterial cream inside the nose 3x a day for 5 days.
Antibacterial shampoo for 5 days.
Sterilising surfaces that they come into contact with and washing sheets, towels, clothing, etc.
Using non-resistant antibiotics.
Which antibiotics can be used to treat MRSA, usually?
Vancomycin and clotrimoxacol.
