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MRSA - Methacillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

Answers to Your Health Questions by R. Robert Franks, Jr., D.O.

Q. What is MRSA?

A. MRSA is an acronym for Methacillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. This is a staphylococcus infection caused by a bacteria that is resistant to several commonly used antibiotics.

Q. How is MRSA spread?

A. MRSA can be spread from skin to skin contact, inanimate objects, poor hygiene, compromised skin such as those with open acne sores, and body grooming.

Q. Are athletes at risk from contracting MRSA?

A. MRSA was mainly confined to the hospital setting, but now, unfortunately, it can be found in the community. There are also documented transmission of MRSA seen in sports such as football or wrestling. In fact, there were several cases of MRSA discovered in South Jersey high schools.

Q. What does MRSA look like?

A. It is often difficult to tell MRSA from any common skin infection. Most often people think it looks like a spider bite. In general, MRSA often looks like a pustule, or big pimple, when it is present on a patient. This is when it is most distinct. However, that is not always the case. Often the skin is red, swollen and painful to touch and one may not see any pus. Other symptoms may accompany the infection such as fever and warmth at the site of infection.

Q. If it is difficult to tell if an infection is caused by MRSA, how do I know if my child may have it?

A. A wound culture is the best way to determine if an individual has a MRSA infection. Small amounts of fluid from the wound are sent to the laboratory to see if the MRSA bacteria are present in the fluid.

Q. How is MRSA treated?

A. If a wound is suspected to be MRSA, treatment should begin immediately. This is to prevent spread and treat this very serious infection. The wound is often opened, drained, and some fluid from the wound is sent for culture. Often, before the culture results are obtained, treatment is begun so as not to let the infection advance as culture results are awaited. MRSA is resistant to many forms of antibiotics: however, some very common antibiotics such as Bactrim, Tetracycline, and Clindamycin may treat the infection. More severe infections are treated with IV antibiotics.

Q. I have heard about people having carrier infections. What are these type of infections?

A. These are individuals who have MRSA colonized somewhere on their body. It is often found in the nasal passages. People who have this colonization are screened by taking a swab of the nose and having it sent to a laboratory for analysis. Those with MRSA in the swab, are given topical Bactroban to try to treat the infection at the site of colonization.

Q. When can someone who has had a MRSA infection return to play?

A. A person can return to play following a MRSA infection when cleared by their physician. This often occurs after treatment of the infection with antibiotics and the infection is adequately controlled. The lesions must be dry and healing before this can be considered. The wound should be covered to prevent reinfection with MRSA or any other bacteria.