MRSA: FAQs

The following FAQs on MRSA have been excerpted from Cambridge University Hospitals' Web site.

What is MRSA?
MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common germ/bug (bacteria), that 3 in 10 of us carry naturally. There are other types of bacteria in the Staphylococcus family, and we all carry at least one of the types on our skin at times, or throughout our lives.

Staphylococci, as a group, are the most common cause of wound and skin infections. Some people carry S. aureus in their noses and on their skin. This is normal and does not require treatment. However some patients in hospital, who have MRSA on their skin, do sometimes require treatment.                   

MRSA is a particular type of S. aureus that has developed resistance to methicillin, a type of penicillin, as well as many other types of antibiotics. 'Resistance' means that it is not killed by the antibiotic. Similar infections occur whether a type of S.aureus is resistant to antibiotics or not. Most of the time MRSA just sits on the skin without causing a problem but if it enters the body through an open wound for example it may cause an infection.

The following points make patients vulnerable to any infections: 

• their underlying condition
• the number of operations they’ve had
• the presence of open wounds
• how frequently they’ve used antibiotics

Is MRSA a superbug?
MRSA is sometimes referred to in the media as a superbug. However, a full explanation of MRSA is seldom given and the consequences are often exaggerated. Many people carry MRSA on their skin and lead full and normal lives.

What is the difference between colonisation and infection with MRSA?
MRSA colonisation means that the bacteria is simply “sitting on the skin” (in any site) but is causing no harm to the person. In an MRSA infection, the bacteria are causing signs of infection, for example, fever and/or pus discharging from a wound. These patients will usually be given appropriate treatment for the infection.

Is MRSA more infectious than 'ordinary' S. aureus?
MRSA is no more infectious to humans than an antibiotic-sensitive S. aureus; it is just that the options for treatment of infections are more limited.

What are healthcare associated infections?
Health-care associated infections (and hospital-acquired infections) are infections that arise as a result of a patient's treatment, which can be a stay in hospital. Some people come into hospital with infections they have got in the community.

Some patients get MRSA because of the treatments they receive for their primary illness, others acquire it in the same way as they do other infections. Infections can be spread via the hands (touch) and from the environment. Therefore, good standards of cleanliness and hygiene from everyone are required to limit the spread of MRSA.

Who gets MRSA in hospitals and the community?
MRSA is not a problem to fit and healthy people. People staying in hospital and people receiving treatment and undergoing investigations are, however, more vulnerable. People who have long-term skin lesions (such as leg ulcers), long-term urinary catheters and those receiving frequent courses of antibiotics are also more at risk.

How do you know I have MRSA?
Patients can carry varieties of S. aureus on their skin without it causing any problems or symptoms of illness. In a hospital, routine specimens (including swabs) are taken to look for germs, and MRSA might be found as part of this procedure. We know that some patients are more vulnerable to MRSA, and might take more swabs more often from them. Swabs can take many days to process so we might not find out until you have been in hospital for some time or even after you have returned home.                   
If MRSA is found, your medical team is informed of the results and will prescribe treatment if necessary. If you are discharged home from hospital before the results of swabs are available, your general practitioner (GP) will be informed and advised of any precautions or treatment necessary.

What is being done to stop the MRSA problem?
The overuse of antibiotics worldwide has led to the emergence of many antibiotic-resistant bacteria, one of which is MRSA. The Department of Health has produced guidance to GPs and the public to discourage the use of antibiotics, unless they are clinically needed. Hospitals are also addressing this issue by adhering to local antibiotic policies and following national guidance.                

We all are monitoring cleaning standards in hospitals, surgeries and other care facilities closely to ensure they are up to standard. We are also encouraging everyone to work together to decrease the risks of catching all types of infection, not just MRSA. The simplest way to do this is to wash your hands frequently and follow good hygiene precautions.

For a more extensive list of MRSA FAQs and resources, please go here.

For information from IHI on Reducing MRSA Infections please go here.

For information on MRSA-related deaths from 1999-2005, please see the CDC's report here.

For information from MRSA Resources, please click here.