Definition
MRSA is an acronym that refers to Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Staph aureus is a common bacteria that lives on most peopleās skin. The āMethicillin Resistantā part of the name means that this particular strain of bacteria has developed immunity to an antibiotic āmethicillinā (the penicillin family). This is important if patients develop an infection due to this bug as they require a different antibiotic choice. MRSA will only cause an infection if it spreads inside the body.
Preventing MRSA infections
MRSA is spread through skin to skin contact. Good hand hygiene is important for reducing spread.
People at care homes and hospitals are higher risk of having MRSA colonisation on their skin.
MRSA colonisation can be removed using topical medications:
- Hair and body treatment using an antibacterial solution for 5 days
- Nasal ointment for 5 days