What is MRSA? 10 Things You Need to Know
11th December 2023
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA, is an antibiotic resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus which can cause a range of infections in humans.
An extremely prevalent healthcare acquired infection in the early 2000s, improved hygiene protocols have reduced the number of cases significantly, although serious outbreaks still make headlines.
Here are 10 things about MRSA:
- Roughly 1 in 3 people carry S. aureus on their skin or in their mouth or nose, and 1 in 10 of these cases are the MRSA strain – an estimated 2 million people in the UK
- MRSA has 16 endemic strains, with the most common ones in the UK being EMRSA-15 and EMRSA-16
- MRSA is largely asymptomatic, although infected cuts or wounds can develop into boils or abscesses that can take a long time to heal properly or, in rare cases, not at all
- Infections can be more likely for hospital patients, those with weakened immune systems or patients with open wounds or existing skin infections
- If an MRSA infection enters the bloodstream, serious complications can occur affecting vital organs and potentially causing pneumonia, internal abscesses or sepsis
- Carriers of MRSA don’t necessarily require treatment, but may be prescribed antiseptic soap or shampoo before a stay in hospital. More serious cases can be treated with a course of antibiotics but not always with ease
- In the UK, mortality rates for MRSA-associated deaths rose 15 fold between 1993 and 2002, yet improved hygiene standards in hospitals since then have improved the number significantly
- To prevent MRSA spreading in hospitals, practice good hand hygiene and don’t touch wounds or skin infections without the use of protective gloves, washing and drying your hands thoroughly afterwards
- Washing laundry at the highest temperature recommended as 65C for 10 minutes can kill MRSA bacteria and carriers are also advised to not sure personal items such as towels, razors and toothbrushes
- Healthcare workers are advised to keep fingernails short and clear from dirt and debris, to cover up any wounds with clean dressings and avoid wearing watches or jewellery
