MRSA

MRSA

Patient Information Leaflet What is MRSA? MRSA stands for Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a type of Staphylococcus aureus bacterium which is a very common bacteria that many people carry on their skin without developing any problems or infection. Some strains such as MRSA are resistant to common antibiotics, including methicillin and can sometimes be found carried by people in hospital.

Where is it found?

MRSA can be found on many parts of the body but are mainly commonly found on these body parts: Armpits Groin Nose Wound

How does MRSA spread from person to person?

MRSA is spread mainly by touch, so hand washing is very important to prevent MRSA in hospitals.

Who is at risk for MRSA infection?

MRSA infection affects all ages and genders. Animals can carry MRSA, although they often get it from people.

Why is MRSA a concern in hospitals?

In the majority of cases, MRSA is found to be a colonisation, which means that it can live on the skin and does not cause an infection.

Occasionally however, it may, like other bacteria, can cause an infection which may require treatment with antibiotics.

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MRSA Patient Information Leaflet

What are the symptoms of MRSA infection?

MRSA is often present without any symptoms. However, it can cause an infection - symptoms may include boils, abscesses or wound infections.

MRSA can cause a skin rash or infection that looks like a spider bite or pimples. The red, swollen bumps may feel warm and be tender to touch.

The rash may ooze.

MRSA can also cause deeper infections in different parts of the body. In severe infections the bacterium may invade the bloodstream, a situation which would be called a bloodstream infection. Symptoms of bloodstream infection include fever and chills. MRSA bloodstream infections can be serious and require medical attention. You will need to be admitted to hospital (if you are not in hospital already) and your treatment may require antibiotic injections.

How will I know if I am carrying MRSA if I have no signs or symptoms?

A swab is usually taken from the nose and groin. This is then tested in the laboratory to establish whether MRSA is present. To diagnose an MRSA infection, samples that maybe taken include urine, skin or discharge from an open wound or a blood test called a blood culture. Laboratory tests will then be performed to check for MRSA in these samples.

What happens if I am found to have MRSA? In hospital you may be moved into a single room while your infection is treated. You may be prescribed a nasal ointment and an antiseptic skin cleanser for washing/showering, which will reduce the number of bacteria on the skin and body sites where it is commonly found.

What happens if I get an MRSA infection?

MRSA can be treated with antibiotics. Your recommended course of antibiotics could last from a few days to a few months, depending on where in the body the infection has spread to. Most MRSA skin infections clear up with treatment.

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MRSA Patient Information Leaflet

How does MRSA spread?

You can become colonized with MRSA through direct contact with an infected person or animal. MRSA can survive on surfaces for hours, sometimes weeks. You can pick up the bacteria by touching or sharing contaminated items, such as: Bedsheets Clothes Surfaces Towels Utensils

How can I prevent MRSA infections?

You can prevent your risk of getting MRSA by taking these steps: Keep wounds clean and covered with a clean dressing.

Don’t share personal items like towels and razors.

Regularly wash bed sheets, towels and clothes in the recommended water temperature.

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and/or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser where handwashing is not available.

More information nhs.uk/conditions/mrsa

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