Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that is impervious to certain kinds of antibiotic drugs. Nosocomial MRSA is a strain of the bacteria that develops after an individual has been exposed to a hospital environment. Hospital-acquired MRSA is difficult to treat with conventional therapies, and it can lead to serious complications in those with weak immune systems.

Nosocomial Infections Description

Hospital-acquired infections include bacterial and fungal diseases that are widespread among people with low resistance to illness. One of the most common methods of transmission is through physical contact with an infected person. Nosocomial infections may also spread when an individual inhales airborne microorganisms that are infectious. Additionally, germ-filled droplets may pass from person to person by way of sneezes or coughs.

There are various reasons an infection can spread rapidly in a hospital setting. Poor hygiene practices among hospital staff, an increase in outpatient treatment, and the use of invasive devices during surgical procedures present significant risks. Additionally, a patient who is in poor health or has an immunodeficiency disorder may lack the natural defenses needed to fight bacteria.

Hospital-Acquired MRSA Facts

Hospital-acquired MRSA is a common occurrence in hospitals, physician’s offices and other healthcare facilities. MRSA attacks certain tissues in the body and threatens the immune system by bypassing the body’s normal defenses. The infection may develop in the form of pneumonia, or it may present itself as a urinary tract, bloodstream or wound infection. Bloodstream infections or pneumonia brought on by MRSA are potentially fatal.

If you suspect you have developed MRSA, or if you have come into contact with an infected person, seek the advice of your doctor immediately. Depending on the symptoms you display, your physician may take a blood, skin or urine culture. He or she may also drain fluid from the infection in order to make a proper diagnosis.

The symptoms of hospital-acquired MRSA include:

- red, inflamed skin
- pain or severe discomfort of the skin
- the presence of boils or abscesses
- warmth around the affected area
- fever
- rash
- headache or body aches
- fatigue
- chills

Most doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat hospital-acquired MRSA. Some common varieties include vancomycin, tetracycline, linezolid and clindamycin. The type of antibiotic your doctor prescribes will depend on the severity of the strain as well as the qualities of the bacteria. If MRSA isn’t treated, it can lead to severe problems. More serious infections may require extra care or hospitalization. If your doctor recommends a hospital stay, you may be given intravenous medications or supplemental oxygen.

Hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA are growing concerns in the healthcare industry. Relaxed sanitation procedures in hospitals, the use of invasive medical techniques, and the fact that many carriers of the infection may not display symptoms are all contributing factors. The best way to lower your risk of infection is to practice good hygiene while visiting any healthcare facility, and ask your healthcare provider to follow the appropriate sanitary guidelines.

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