Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

(MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,also called multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA)

Precuations:-

In Healthcare:-

1)Screening programs:patient screening upon hospital admission, with nasal cultures, prevents the cohabitation of MRSA carriers with non-carriers, and exposure to infected surfaces.       

2)Surface sanitizing:Alcohol has been proven to be an effective surface sanitizer against MRSA.   

3)Hand washing       

4)Use of surgical respirator   

5)Proper disposal of hospital gowns       

6)Isolation: if necessary  (of the infected person)  

7)Restricting antibiotic use:Glycopeptides, cephalosporins and in particular quinolones are associated with an increased risk of colonisation of MRSA. Reducing use of antibiotic classes that promote MRSA colonisation, especially fluoroquinolones, is recommended in current guidelines.      

8)Public health considerations:"search and destroy" strategy    

9)Decolonization                                     

Prevention in Community Settings:incarcerated populations, childcare center employees, and athletes. To prevent MRSA infection, individuals should regularly wash hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer, keep wounds clean and covered, avoid contact with other people's wounds, avoid sharing personal items such as razors or towels, shower after exercising at athletic facilities (including gyms, weight rooms, and school facilities), shower before using swimming pools or whirlpools, and maintain a clean environment.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methicillin-resistant_Staphylococcus_aureus#Prevention_in_Healthcare_Settings

 

Ravi

MRI technologist

ravijaichand@gmail.com