MRSA In Our Hospitals, Communities And Homes

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is called a “Super-Bug” because it is antibiotic resistant, and it can be many strains of S. aureus bacteria; it is not a virus. There are ongoing studies and efforts to develop new and better antibiotics, but it is a difficult task because the strains are always evolving and becoming resistant to more and more drugs. MRSA is most likely to be contracted in hospitals (hospital-acquired infection), and studies show that the rate of contamination is as high as 64%. Random studies were performed on common hospital surfaces such as elevator buttons, door knobs, floors and walls. The tests showed that 80% tested positive for evidence of MRSA. Projections are for six million, world-wide, cases of MRSA in 2010, and the death rated is expected to be over 30% This could be considered a global plague. Most of us know about MRSA, some of us know someone personally who has contracted MRSA, and some of us know someone who has died from MRSA complications. It is of grave concern that the treatment options are limited and there are sources of infection now coming from outside of the hospitals.

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.

Predominately, MRSA is spread by hand-to-hand contact, and would seem it would imperative to be on highest alert regarding proper hand-washing procedures and hygiene in all healthcare facilities. A relatively new source of transmission is the use computer keyboards, since the implementation of computer technology.

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.

If you are contemplating surgery, most especially elective surgery, for conditions such as lumbar and cervical disc problems, you should research all your options and investigate nonsurgical treatment options, because one major surgery risk is the MRSA contamination of hospitals. Many hospitals do not screen for MRSA, although screening could be done. However, if a patient tested positive for MRSA, even without symptoms, they would be isolated and this could lead to longer hospital stays. From there we could have overloaded, understaffed facilities with less careful hand washing, and more exposure to infectious people.

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