According to a new report, a novel program to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections using simple infection control techniques and behavioral change reduced the incidence of MRSA infections from 26 to 62 percent at participating hospitals. Epidemiologists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted the analysis and presented their findings at the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America's 19th Annual Scientific Meeting this past Saturday.

The three hospitals involved in the study screened all patients admitted to a pilot unit for MRSA, isolated all MRSA-positive patients, and had strict hand washing and infection control procedures. They also employed an approach called Positive Deviance; this model is based on the notion that every organization has certain people (called "Positive Deviants") who function more effectively than others with the exact same resources and conditions.  In this context, the Positive Deviance approach helps identify and spread effective MRSA prevention practices to every person who comes into contact with patients. Funding for the MRSA prevention program came from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).

The CDC estimates that nearly 100,000 Americans acquire invasive MRSA infections each year and about 86 percent of invasive MRSA infections are associated with health care facilities. It is encouraging that simple, cost-effective approaches to changing caregiver behavior in hospitals, such as Positive Deviance, can have a significant impact on reducing MRSA infections.

For more information about MRSA, see our previous tips for preventing MRSA infections or post a question about MRSA on our online community.  

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Contrary to the perception that cases of the "superbug" known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are increasing everywhere, a new report shows that MRSA infections associated with one type of procedure performed in hospital intensive care units (ICUs) declined by nearly half between 1997 and 2007. Experts believe the decline may be related to efforts to curb MRSA infections in healthcare settings, where these infections have become rampant.

The study, appearing in today’s Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), examined bloodstream infections that occurred in ICU patients who had an intravenous (IV) central line canula, a tube inserted into a blood vessel near the heart to deliver medicine or monitor vital signs. These tubes, sometimes hooked up for days, increase the risk of infection from all kinds of bacteria. The study did not examine MRSA infections related to peripheral IVs usually inserted into the arm or hand.

The researchers found that in the nearly 1,700 ICUs examined, there were 33,587 bloodstream infections associated with the central line procedure, of which 2,498 (7.4 percent) were MRSA and 1,590 (4.7 percent) were non-MRSA Staphylococcus aureus. While the proportion of Staphylococcus aureus infections caused by MRSA actually increased 25.8 percent from 1997 through 2007, the overall rate of MRSA infections associated with central lines declined 49.6 percent from 1997 through 2007, with the bulk of the decline occurring since 2001.

This indicates that MRSA infections are now responsible for a larger proportion of staph infections associated with central lines, but the total number of MRSA infections actually declined quite a bit.

The researchers believe that efforts taken by healthcare facilities to improve central line insertion and care practices and increasing success in preventing MRSA transmission between patients by healthcare facilities may be responsible for the declines. A comment published in JAMA alongside the study report notes that more can still be done to further reduce the number of MRSA infection in healthcare settings (sometimes referred to as healthcare-associated MRSA or HA-MRSA).

MRSA bacteria can't be treated with common antibiotics such as methicillin and MRSA bloodstream infections can caused serious complications, even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 94,000 Americans get such serious, invasive MRSA infections each year and nearly 19,000 of those die.

While hospital-associated MRSA infections are still a problem, they are still very rare overall. In general, the more invasive the procedure you undergo is, the greater your risk of contracting a MRSA infection. To learn more about MRSA, join the Healia Health Community for MRSA Infections.

Related Blog Posts: Essential Facts about MRSA and Other Staph Infections
Prevention of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infection

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A study released today from the January edition of Archives of Otolaryngology reports an “alarming” rise in the number of infections of the ear, nose, and throat in children that were caused by the “superbug” known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The proportion of Staph infections of the head and neck in children caused by MRSA more than doubled from 2001 to 2006.

In the study, researchers reviewed data regarding pediatric head and neck infections that occurred at more than 300 hospitals nationwide between 2001 and 2006. They found that between 2001 and 2006 there were 21,009 pediatric head and neck infections caused by Staph bacteria. Over that span, the percentage of those infections caused by the difficult-to-treat MRSA bacteria increased from 12 percent to 28 percent.

MRSA is similar to other Staph infections, except that it is resistant to the penicillin-related antibiotics such as methicillin that are normally used to treat Staph infections. Treating a MRSA infection requires use of other antibiotics, but if such treatment is started quickly, the infection can usually be controlled without any problem. However, if a MRSA infection is not treated properly, it can cause dangerous, life-threatening complications. This can occur if someone with a MRSA infection is misdiagnosed as having a non-MRSA Staph infection and is given penicillin-related antibiotics, which have no effect on MRSA.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 94,000 Americans get serious, invasive MRSA infections each year and 19,000 die.

Ten years ago, most MRSA infections were acquired in hospitals, often by chronically ill patients. However, during the past decade, “community-acquired” MRSA infections that occur outside of heath care settings have become more common, frequently affecting otherwise healthy individuals. The new study provides evidence that nearly 60 percent of the MRSA infections of the head and neck among children in the study were acquired outside hospitals.

Staph bacteria including MRSA tend to live on the skin surface and can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with surfaces contaminated with Staph germs from cuts and other open wounds. About one-third of the population is “colonized” by Staph bacteria, meaning they have it on their skin or in the nose or throat but they aren't sick. For reasons that are not yet understood, the number of these carriers who are colonized, but not infected, by MRSA germs is also on the rise.

MRSA head and neck infections most likely develop in MRSA carriers who become susceptible because of ear, nose, or throat infections caused by some other bug. MRSA skin infections tend to occur when the bacteria enter the body through a cut or abrasion.

Doctors believe inappropriate use of antibiotics has contributed to the rise of MRSA infections. The researchers suggest that that quick culture tests be done on suspected head and neck infections to determine the cause of the infection before treatment is started and that antibiotics be prescribed “judiciously.”

If you want to learn more about MRSA infections, join the Healia Health Community for MRSA

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Some of the National Football League’s (NFL’s) biggest stars have been sidelined recently by staphylococcus (staph) infections. First it was reported that Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow had to be hospitalized for three days in mid-October after he contracted his second staph infection in the past three years. The Browns eventually admitted that seven such infections had occurred in Browns players over the past four years.

Next, the Boston Herald reported that New England Patriots quarterback and NFL MVP Tom Brady, who had two knee ligaments repaired in early October, had to have two additional knee surgeries because of subsequent infections. Staph infections are the most common cause of such surgical complications and can set back recovery by months. Brady is now on a six-week course of intravenous antibiotics, in the hopes that the infection does not compromise his surgically-repaired ligaments and force him to go under the knife yet again.

Then came the news that Indianapolis Colts superstar Peyton Manning’s off-season knee surgery in July was prompted by a staph infection in a fluid filled knee pad called a bursa sac. The sac had to be removed, forcing Manning to miss all of training camp as well as the pre-season.

Apparently, none of the NFL stars above had MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections.

There are more than 30 strains of staphylococcus and most of them are harmless. They live in soil or on the surface of the skin and can enter the body through a cut or during a medical procedure, causing an infection. Anyone can get a staph infection but athletes are at increased risk because they are more likely to suffer cuts and they also spend a lot of time in close quarters with poor sanitation, such as locker rooms and training rooms.

Steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of contracting a staph infection include practicing good hygiene (frequent hand washing is the primary defense against the transmission of most organisms, including staph) and doing your best to avoid cuts and abrasions, cleaning them thoroughly when they do occur.

To get answers to your questions about staph infections, join Healia’s Health Community on MRSA infections.

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If you are an active viewer of YouTube, you may have seen the YouTube videos of people popping their staph infection wounds. While YouTube members have made comments varying from “awesome” to “gross”, Healia would like to provide some information on the dangers of popping a staph infection boil.

You may want to read about Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections. For information on how to reduce your risk of MRSA infections, see Healia’s Health Blog: Prevention of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infection.

staph infection staphylococcus MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, staph infection, “superbug”– these terms have been in the media a lot over the past year and you may be very concerned about how to prevent staph infections.

MRSA infections are caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which are now responsible for more deaths in the United States each year than AIDS. It has been nicknamed the "superbug" by the media because of its resistance to several commonly used antibiotics.

MRSA is not fundamentally different from other staph infections; it is not more virulent or longer-lived. Instead, the problem with MRSA is that because it does not respond to most antibiotics that are commonly prescribed for staph infections, it often gets a chance to do a lot of damage to the body before doctors realize that it must be treated differently. MRSA can be treated effectively with antibiotics, but it requires the use of more powerful and toxic antibiotics such as vancomycin.

Many healthy people carry staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin. Staph bacteria are generally harmless unless they enter the body through a cut or other wound. Even then, they typically cause only minor skin infections in healthy people. But sometimes, usually in older adults and people who are ill or have weakened immune systems, ordinary staph infections can cause serious illness.

Until recently, almost all antibiotic-resistant cases of staph infection occurred inside hospitals. However, MRSA infections contracted outside of hospitals, called community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) are becoming more common. The most serious cases of CA-MRSA infection cause a “flesh eating” disease known as necrotizing fasciitis. Such infections must be treated by administering intravenous antibiotics and may require surgery to remove portions of the body infected with MRSA bacteria.

MRSA infections spread through close association such as skin-to-skin contact, contact with skin wounds and through contact with contaminated items, where staph bacteria can live for 24 hours or more. In some cases, staph bacteria can enter healthy, intact skin. The best way to reduce your chance of contracting a MRSA infection is to practice good hygiene. These tips from the Mayo Clinic can help reduce your risk of MRSA infections:

• Wash your hands. Careful hand washing remains your best defense against germs. Scrub hands briskly for at least 15 seconds, then dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer containing at least 62 percent alcohol for times when you don't have access to soap and water.
• Keep personal items personal. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. MRSA spreads on contaminated objects as well as through direct contact.
• Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores may contain MRSA, and keeping wounds covered will help keep the bacteria from spreading.
• Shower after athletic games or practices. Shower immediately after each game or practice. Use soap and water. Don't share towels.
• Sit out athletic games or practices if you have a concerning infection. If you have a wound that's draining or appears infected — for example is red, swollen, warm to the touch or tender — consider sitting out athletic games or practices until the wound has healed.
• Sanitize linens.If you have a cut or sore, wash towels and bed linens in a washing machine set to the "hot" water setting (with added bleach, if possible) and dry them in a hot dryer. Wash gym and athletic clothes after each wearing.
• Get tested. If you have a skin infection that requires treatment, ask your doctor if you should be tested for MRSA. Doctors may prescribe drugs that aren't effective against antibiotic-resistant staph, which delays treatment and creates more resistant germs. Testing specifically for MRSA may get you the specific antibiotic you need to effectively treat your infection.
• Use antibiotics appropriately. When you're prescribed an antibiotic, take all of the doses, even if the infection is getting better. Don't stop until your doctor tells you to stop. Don't share antibiotics with others or save unfinished antibiotics for another time. Inappropriate use of antibiotics, including not taking all of your prescription and overuse, contributes to resistance. If your infection isn't improving after a few days of taking an antibiotic, contact your doctor.

Want to learn more? Ask an Expert at Healia Health Communities. You can also share your experiences with others in the Healia Health Community for MRSA.  


_{Photo: Allen W. Mathies, MD, CDC Public Health Image Library}

A staph infection is an infection caused by bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus. While there are more than thirty species of staph, one called Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for most of the infections that cause harm in humans. Many healthy people have S. aureus on the surface of their skin, inside their nose, or in their throat. It’s when these bacteria penetrate into deeper layers of the body that an infection can occur.

Staph infections can take several forms ranging from simple skin boils to flesh-eating infections to blood poisoning. The most common type of infection, cellulitis, affects the skin’s deeper layers. It might begin as a small area of inflammation causing tenderness, swelling, or redness on the skin’s surface, or as an open sore or skin ulcer. This type of infection is usually treatable with antibiotics. However, in recent years antibiotic resistant strains of S. aureushave become more common.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a form of S. aureus that cannot be treated with common antibiotics, is now a common cause of serious infection. MRSA can be treated effectively with antibiotics but it requires the use of less common and more toxic drugs such as vancomycin

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health care-associated infections account for an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 associated deaths each year in American hospitals.

However, MRSA infections contracted outside of hospitals, called community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) are becoming more common. The most serious cases of CA-MRSA infection cause a “flesh eating” disease known as necrotizing fasciitis. Such infections must be treated by administering intravenous antibiotics and may require surgery to remove portions of the body infected with MRSA bacteria.

MRSA infections spread through close association such as skin-to-skin contact, contact with skin wounds and through contact with contaminated items, where staph bacteria can live for 24 hours or more. In some cases, staph bacteria can enter healthy, intact skin. The best way to reduce your chance of contracting a MRSA infection is to practice good hygiene, including these tips:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Care for wounds such as cuts and abrasions by cleaning them thoroughly and keeping them covered by a bandage. Bandages should be disposed of properly.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, cosmetics, clothing, and bars of soap.
• Wipe down exercise equipment between users.