Staphylococcus aureus has appeared with increasing frequency and is now an epidemic within specific community populations. Whereas hospital MRSA is almost always found in persons with established risk factors associated with prior medical treatment, these are not present in CA-MRSA. Today, in the U.S. a little more than 10% of all MRSA infections are CA-MRSA. This form causes severe skin and soft tissue infections in otherwise healthy persons who have not been recently hospitalized or undergone invasive medical procedures. Hospitalization is required in approximately one out of five cases. CA-MRSA has been identified most frequently among specific populations, including prisoners, combat athletes, children, military recruits, Pacific Islanders, Alaskan Natives, and Native Americans.
A significant difference between the two types of MRSA is that the community form (CA-MRSA) possesses a potent toxin called Panton-Valentine leukocidin, which attacks infection-fighting white blood cells called leukocytes. The most severe form of CA-MRSA infection causes necrotizing fasciitis, an acute, rapidly progressing and life-threatening skin infection. The CA-MRSA are genetically distinguishable from hospital-associated MRSA.
Treating MRSA
Treatment of MRSA skin infections is challenging. In some patients, skin ointments containing antibiotics, such as mupirocin or fusidic acid, can be used, but resistance to these can develop.
Prevention
The spread of skin MRSA infections and other MMA infections occurs most frequently because of close, skin-to-skin contact through contact with skin wounds (cuts, abrasions) and through contact with contaminated items, where staph can survive for 24 hours or more. The organisms can enter healthy, intact skin. Currently, the only known means of prevention is through the following:
* Prudent hygiene measures involving hand washing
* Proper wound care, including proper disposal of bandages, and
* Avoidance of sharing certain personal items such as towels and razors. Shared exercise equipment should be wiped down between users.
