MRSA and Staph Infections

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infection is defined as a resistant strain of staph. It initially came on the scenes years ago in hospitals after those antibiotics known as 'broad spectrum antibiotics' could not cure the infection. Although staph can be found on most surfaces, on the skin, in the nasal canal, the more lethal strain of MRSA can be fatal.

This infection does occur more often in those patients who are already hospitalized, living in community designed facilities such as nursing homes, jails, and prisons, and those with weakened immune systems or the elderly population. However, it can occur in healthy, non-hospitalized individuals. Not only is it resistant to methicillin, but it is also resistant to penicillin, oxacillin, and amoxicillin- drugs used frequently to treat the staph form of this infection.


Because staph is almost everywhere, it is usually harmless. The trouble usually begins when staph enters an open cut or wound or a spider bite! The symptoms usually include, localized inflammation or swelling to the area, warmth around the area, sometimes pus filled lesions, sometimes fever and chills. The pus-filled lesions are often called 'boils' or 'abscesses'. Sometimes these lesions have to be surgically drained.

If you recognize these symptoms, you should see your primary healthcare provider (PCP) or nurse practitioner (NP) for advice. Before treating a lesion as MRSA, a culture and sensitivity may be needed which helps to identify if it is indeed MRSA or staph and also to recognize what antibiotic(s) are indicated. Any lesions on your body should be monitored closely and kept clean to prevent the development of MRSA. Old fashion hand washing is still one of the easiest ways to prevent this infection from developing.