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WEDNESDAY, Mar 12, (News Locale) - The problem of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has acquired massive proportions in hospitals worldwide. In order to prevent the spread of this superbug infection, health authorities advocated screening of patients for MRSA.
However a new study finds this screening procedure to be useless as it did not prevent the spread of MRSA in a significant manner. MRSA is a type of bacteria that has developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics like methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. MRSA infections also called superbug infections began spreading soon after 1959 when methicillin hit markets.
Staphylococcus bacteria are a common bug found in ear, nose and throat. Some of these organisms are a part of the normal architecture in some parts of the body. However MRSA is a totally different bug and can often be lethal.
Hospitals have instituted a number of anti-infection controls designed to stop the spread of MRSA. Screening patients is one such measure. The present study by researchers at Geneva University in Switzerland involved 10,193 surgery patients and over 10,000 control subjects.
The surgery patients were screened between October 2004 and May 2006, while the control group was admitted without MRSA screening. Patients who tested positive for the bug were isolated, scrubbed with disinfectants and were put on an antibiotic regimen.
However even with all these strict measures, there was no difference in the rates of hospital-acquired MRSA infections in the two groups, the researchers reported in the latest edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association. 93 patients in the screening group developed MRSA infection as compared to 76 in the control group.
"The trial did not show an added benefit for widespread rapid screening on admission compared with standard MRSA control alone," lead researcher Dr. Stephan Harbarth revealed.
It is a worrisome finding because MRSA infections kill an estimated 19,000 people a year with almost 1.4 million people infected each year.
Appearance of MRSA infection
According to the Mayo Clinic, most MRSA infections appear as small red bumps that resemble pimples, boils or spider bites. As long as the superbug is confined to these areas, there is no problem. However once the infection spreads, patients develop deep and painful abscesses that need to be surgically drained.
MRSA can be fatal if infection spreads to lungs, heart valves, bones and joints
Risk Factors
In hospital settings invasive procedures as well as long-term use of antibiotics are the leading risk factors for the development of MRSA infections.
Community-acquired MRSA infections can be triggered by participation in contact sports or sharing personal items like towels, according to the Journal of American Medical Association.
The very young and the very old with compromised immune systems are also vulnerable. Patients with HIV/AIDS and other conditions where immunity is weakened are also at risk for developing MRSA infections.
Treatment?
The Journal of American Medical Association cites vancomycin as an antibiotic that can effectively combat MRSA. Unfortunately vancomycin-resistant MRSA is also a threat.
What can you do to prevent MRSA?
As consumers, the main concern should be to stop the spread of MRSA until another, more-effective antibiotic is discovered.
* In healthcare settings, make sure your doctor or nurse washes their hand before they touch you. If they have not done so, ask them to wash their hands.
* Wash your own hands frequently before touching others.
* Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors or clothing.
* If you have cuts or abrasions, keep them closed to avoid spreading bacteria.
* Use disposable towels after scrubbing your hands for 15 seconds before washing them
* If you do not find soap and water, use solutions containing at least 62 percent alcohol to wash hands.
* Finally maintain strict personal hygiene.
Note: The above article is for information purposes only. Newslocale.org advises consumers to consult their healthcare professional for more information.
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