MRSA (STAPH) INFECTION: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND PREVENTION IN INDIA

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA, is a type of contagious bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. People also call it “Superbug” as this type of bacteria is resistant to numerous antibiotics, making them complex to treat. People who are hospitalized or admitted to other health care settings, such as nursing homes, etc. are prone to develop HA-MRSA (healthcare-associated MRSA). It usually occurs in medical facilities during surgeries, intravenous tubing, or any medical procedure through direct contact with the infected wounds or contaminated hands. Another type of MRSA is community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) that occurs among healthy people through skin-to-skin contact. The bacteria usually live in the nose, and on the skin but the problem occurs when they begin to develop quicker through cuts or breaks in the skin. It is contagious and can spread through direct contact with the infected person. MRSA is a severe infection due to its resistance to several types of antibiotics including methicillin and related antibiotics, such as penicillin, vancomycin, and oxacillin. Though doctors no longer use methicillin to treat MRSA, it can be cured with certain antibiotics. MRSA is a threat to wound care physicians due to its resistance to traditional antibiotic therapy. What Are The Risk Factors For The Development of MRSA? MRSA infection can occur in people of all age groups and genders. Since hospital and community strains of MRSA occur in different settings, the risk factors differ.