What is MRSA?

The term MRSA emerged in the recent times . Pronounced as MER-SUH, it has in fact created panic among the population. But what is MRSA?

MRSA are caused by staphylococci, a kind of bacteria. They are resilient to antibiotic, methicillin, penicillin, cephalosporins. The germs or bacteria have unique gene and makes them unaffected by even the highest combination of antibiotics. Thus a person with MRSA must be treated with alternate antibiotics. In recent times vancomycin is believed to the most effective drug. It has to be taken intravenously.  Thus MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus is the scientific name of “staph” bacteria. It is found on the skin and nose of healthy people. This can sometimes get inside the body and can lead to infections in the form of boils, pimples and can be fatal in case of pneumonia. The increasing frequency of antimicrobial resistance has become matter of concern.

These infections can occur in hospitals, dialysis centers, nursing homes etc. elderly people and persons with weak immune systems are also prone to MRSA.

Symptoms of MRSA

The staph infections begin in the form of red bumps, it may resemble like pimples, boils or spider bites. They can readily turn into deep and extremely painful abscesses and has to be drained surgically. The bacteria may sometimes remain confined to the skin. The danger is that they can even get penetrated deep into the body and can cause life threatening infections in bones, valves, lungs, joints, other wounds etc.

The staph bacterium is found on the skin or on the nose of 1/3 of populace. In case you have this staph on the skin you may not be sick or infected but termed colonized. Even healthy persons can be colonized without ill effects. They can pass these germs to other people. This bacteria is generally harmless, unless and until they enter the body via wound or cut. They can lead to minor skin problems and may sometimes lead to serious illness.