What is the treatment of MRSA infections?
MRSA infections are usually treated with antibiotics. (Boils or abscesses caused by MRSA may only need to be drained and may not need antibiotics.) However, the choice of antibiotic is limited as most antibiotics will not work. Many MRSA infections can only be treated with antibiotics that need to be given directly into a vein. The course of treatment is often for several weeks. Also, the risk of side-effects with the limited choice of antibiotics is higher than the more 'usual' antibiotics which are used to treat non-MRSA infections.
People who are carriers of MRSA but who are healthy do not need any treatment. However, in some cases it may be advised to try and clear the bacteria from the skin by washing with antiseptic lotions, and using antiseptic shampoos, and using an antibiotic cream to place in the nose. These measures may reduce the risk of developing an infection, or spreading the bacterium to others (particularly to ill people who may develop an infection).
Can MRSA infections be prevented?
The number of MRSA infections in hospital can be kept down if all hospital staff adhere to good hygiene measures. The most important is to wash hands before and after contact with each patient, and before doing any any procedure. This simple measure reduces the chance of passing on bacteria from patient to patient.
Other measures are used in hospitals to reduce the spread of infection. For example, cleaning of bedding, regular cleaning of wards, etc. Patients with an MRSA infection may be kept away from other patients, perhaps in a single bed room or in an isolation unit until the infection has cleared.
If you are found to be a carrier of MRSA then you are usually offered treatment which prevents future infections or the spread of MRSA.
Is MRSA screened for in the UK?
There is not a universal screening programme in the UK as it has not yet shown to be effective in clinical trials. Universal screening for MRSA has recently been suggested by the Department of Health. However, MRSA testing is currently recommended for:
- People at high risk of colonisation. For example, patients being transferred from one hospital to another or re-admitted to the same hospital.
- People with a high risk of infection. Examples are those admitted to intensive care units, orthopaedic and vascular surgery wards.
MRSA screening for all people going into hospital (other than in an emergency) is to be introduced by the end of March 2009. You will not be included in this screening if you:
- Are having a day case operation on your eyes or teeth.
- Are having an endoscopy (for example a gastroscopy) as a day case.
- Are having minor skin procedures. For example, freezing treatment for warts.
- Are a child or are pregnant (unless you are having a planned caesarean section).
Many hospitals already have in place effective screening procedures and treatment for people who are carriers. The government has recently announced that there has been a 57% reduction of MRSA in hospitals since 2004. This has mainly been done by:
- Better infection control between staff in hospitals.
- Improved hand washing.
- Deep cleaning of wards.
The NHS introduced the "cleanyourhands©" campaign in 2005. This is a national initiative in England and Wales to improve the hand hygiene of healthcare workers and help reduce the spread of preventable healthcare associated infections, including MRSA.
Further help and advice
MRSA Action UK
Tel: 01606 559748 Web: www.mrsaactionuk.net
The mission of MRSA Action UK is to raise public awareness and to influence Government and healthcare providers in the fight to prevent MRSA and all healthcare infections.
Clean, Safe Care
Web: www.clean-safe-care.nhs.uk
This is a website for healthcare staff and provides information, tools and news about reducing healthcare associated infections.
Cleanyourhands campaign
Web: www.npsa.nhs.uk/cleanyourhands
Details of the cleanyourhands campaign from the National Patient Safety Agency
Where to next?
- In the news: 90% of hospitals are failing superbug checks
- Facts on Clostridium difficile (C.Diff)
- Talk about your health concerns in chat
© EMIS 2008 Reviewed: 6 Dec 2008
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johnston, over 2 years
I went to see a reletive,in the Royal Free yester day.the person i went to see has a deep leg ulcer,the ulcer started in 2oo2.my reletive is a carrier, she is mrsa positive. her dirty bed linen was left on the floor,in a pile by her door, for may hours,
Report this commentjane webster, over 2 years
Thankyou. My mother is in hospital and has been given the label of a carrier or MRSA. Obviously she is very concerned and the leaflet they gave her to read is in no way as good at explaining the carrier part as your article is. From this article we are better informed and reassured.
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christine stansby, about 1 year
my dad has been suffering a venul leg bleed for several months,and recently had a vein tied in his leg to try and stop the bleed,but unfortunately he has had another bleed since,and was again rushed to hospital,and for the fifth time,lost a lot of blood,apart from this,he has now been told he has an infection in his toe,and diognosed mrsa,which he has, either been given it by the registered nurses ,who come to his home to dress the wound,or from hospitl,after his several visits,or when he had his minor op on his leg to tie the vein,my dad is 86,and apart from the problems he has now,has kept in reasonably good health,so you can understand our concerns with this mrsa.
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