MRSA In Our Hospitals, Communities And Homes
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ) is often called the “Super-Bug”. MRSA is not a virus, it can be many strains of S. aureus bacteria and it is antibiotic resistant. A major concern about MRSA is the limited options for treatment, and now some sources of MRSA are outside of the hospital walls. Many studies are projecting over six million cases in 2010 – with a death rate of over 30% percent. MRSA could be considered a global plague. Most of us have heard about MRSA, and you may know someone who has been infected, and you may even know of someone who has died. There have been studies that have shown that 80% of tested common surfaces in hospitals, such as doors, walls, and elevator buttons, had evidence of MRSA. Some studies show a contamination rate as high as 64% of hospitals. MRSA is most likely to be contracted from hospitals (hospital-acquired infection). There is a continued effort to develop more antibiotics, but it is difficult because of its evolving resistance to more and more drugs.
MRSA cases identified in a healthcare setting are referred to as healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA). In the last 40 years, MRSA has become a significant problem in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, although it was found in 1945 with the advent of penicillin. In the early years, MRSA was treated with penicillin. Now is antibiotic resistant, which includes penicillin and many other antibiotics. Because many patients in hospitals and nursing homes are weakened from disease or surgery and have compromised immunity – they are very vulnerable.
A relatively new source of transmission of MRSA is the use computer keyboards since the implementation of computer technology in healthcare facilities. Proper hand-washing procedures and hygiene is critical since MRSA is predominately spread by hand-to-hand contact.
CA-MRSA (community-associated MRSA), have been identified since late 1990′s. It appeared to have no relationship to the healthcare-associated MRSA strain, as there were no risk factors involved such as healthcare settings and the weak and immune compromised. CA-MRSA is concentrated in people that are in groups or group areas such locker rooms, contact sports, gyms, prisoners and military recruits. Although anyone can carry MRSA, (the majority of research shows that MRSA occurs mostly in our noses) and it can enter the body through injuries, incisions and open sores, then there it can develop into a fatal infection. Many people that have MRSA do not have symptoms, and to avoid contamination always properly wash your hands, bandage your cuts and scrapes, and never use others’ personal things such as razors and towels. MRSA can be also picked up from contaminated keyboards, walls, floors, door knobs, as well as direct physical contact.
Symptoms of MRSA can be fever, swelling, heat and pain around a wound or injury, headache, and fatigue. More severe conditions are infections in the bloodstream, joints, bones, surgical incisions, heart and lungs. Many cases will be not diagnosed because a bump may considered something as simple as a spider bite. If a bump or cut does not improve within three or four days, and if there are fever and flu symptoms, this can be MRSA.
There is reporting of MRSA infecting horses, and these cases are on the increase. This is just one of several ways strains of MRSA are challenging the human and animal barrier. Studies have shown that MRSA can be passed from humans to horses and horses to humans. There is now a strain of MRSA (ST398) detected in pigs. Initially it was reported from the Netherland five years ago, and then, more recently, it was reported in Canada. Now it has been found in the US, although there is no clear proof that the infection can contaminate our foods or humans. If that should become a fact, that will further complicate the battle against MRSA. It is also been determined that our pets have a strain of MRSA, and again, there is no proof of this infecting people. In fact, it could be that humans are infecting their pets.
Most especially for those considering elective surgery for neck and back pain, consider all your options and research nonsurgical procedures. Surgery is not your only option. MRSA contamination is common in hospitals. Screening could be done for MRSA in hospitals, but many do not. If testing proved positive, then patients would have to be placed in isolation, and this would increase the patient’s length of stay and the load on the facility by over crowding and under staffing. It is possible then – this can lead to more contact with infected people – serious under staffing which can lead to less hand washing and hygiene.