What Is the MRSA Virus?
What Is the MRSA Virus?
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MRSA is a bacterium that's resistant to treatment with commonly used antibiotics. MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteria in the MRSA family are often referred to as staph infections that cause boils and abscess. Understanding what MRSA is, and how to prevent its spread, has major public health implications. Over time, several bacteria have mutated, making them difficult or even impossible to treat.
- Staphylococcus aureus (staph) are bacteria normally found on the skin and in the nose in 33 percent of the population. Overgrowth of normal bacteria causes infection. MRSA infections are not easily eradicated and can be problematic for anyone with weakened immunity or chronic health problems. When bacteria become resistant to treatment, they're referred to as super bugs. The term is often used in reference to the MRSA virus, which is actually not a virus at all.
- MRSA has the potential to spread from person to person. Lung infections might be spread by coughing The most common way that people spread any bacteria or virus is from contaminated surfaces, including the hands of infected individuals. Because MRSA has such potential to become widespread, sometimes large groups of patients are screened in the hospital to prevent wound infections.
- MRSA can be acquired either from public places, or in the hospital and other health care settings. Infections spread through public contact are called community-acquired infections. When MRSA spreads or is acquired in a health care setting, it is called hospital acquired methicillin staph aureus.
Identification of MRSA is performed by taking a culture of a skin infection, sputum. If bacteria are in the bloodstream, blood cultures are sent to the lab for analysis. It is possible to carry MRSA and not have any symptoms. If your doctor suspects you may have MRSA and could spread it to others, he might perform a nasal swab.
Laboratory tests tell the doctor if a staph infection is treatable with antibiotics. Identification and treatment of bacteria such as MRSA are facilitated by culture and sensitivity tests. Bacteria are examined under a microscope. Lab personnel observe the effects of various antibiotics to see which drugs kill the bacteria grown in petri dishes, and then submit the report for the doctor to review. - Having an MRSA infection might mean you will be isolated, or confined to a hospital room or one area of the house. Health care providers or family members who care for patients with MRSA wear gloves and disposable gowns. Respiratory infections require using a mask to prevent caregivers from breathing respiratory droplets and becoming infected.
Skin infections caused by MRSA are painful, red and swollen. They invade the tissues under the skin, including the bones. Bacteria that enter the bloodstream can become life threatening. - Don't insist on taking antibiotics for treatment of viruses, such as colds and flu. Increased pressure on physicians to prescribe antibiotics unnecessarily has been a major factor in the development of MRSA and other antibiotic resistant bacteria. Bacteria also have the innate ability to mutate on their own, escaping the effects of antibiotics. Maintaining good overall health through diet and exercise can greatly reduce the risk of infection.
Do not share athletic equipment or personal grooming items with others. MRSA can be spread easily in gyms and locker rooms.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep your immune system intact. Children, elderly people and patients with HIV/AIDS are most susceptible to MRSA, but even healthy individuals can be affected by infection that enters through broken skin.
Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent spreading MRSA. Keep your hands away from your nose and mouth after being in public places. Wash your hands as soon as possible.
The MRSA virus is really a bacterium, and it can be life threatening. It is not easily treated and can cause long-term health problems, especially for anyone with a compromised immune system. Preventing MRSA spread and finding new antibiotics to eradicate MRSA has become a public health focus.
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Potential
Identification
Effects of MRSA
MRSA Prevention
Norovirus infections
The norovirus group of viruses are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (upset stomach) in the UK. They are also known as "small round structured viruses" (SRSV) or "Norwalk-like viruses".Norovirus infections are sometimes called "winter vomiting disease", because people often get them during the winter months. However, they can occur at any time of the year.
Symptoms of a norovirus infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and in some cases a fever, headache, stomach cramps and aching limbs. Symptoms can last for 12 to 60 hours, but most people recover within two days (see Symptoms for more information).
How noroviruses are spread
It is estimated that noroviruses infect between 600,000 and one million people in the UK every year. Norovirus infections occur in people of all ages and outbreaks of the illness are common, particularly within contained environments such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools. This is because the norovirus spreads very easily from person to person and can survive for several days in a contaminated area.Noroviruses can be spread through contact with an infected person, through contact with surfaces or objects that are contaminated with the virus, or by consuming contaminated food or water.
After having a norovirus infection it is possible to become infected again, because immunity to the virus only lasts for a short period of time.
Outlook
There is no specific treatment for a norovirus infection and usually you will not need to see a doctor as the symptoms leave after a couple of days. See Treatment for information on how to care for yourself or your child at home.What Is E.coli?
E. coli is short for Escherichia coli, it is one of the bacteria that line the gut of humans and animals. It also exists in raw and undercooked beef, infected water and milk. Most E. coli strains are harmless. However, O157:H7 can cause food poisoning.
A sample of a person's feces (stool) must be tested to confirm E.coli poisoning.
Cattle are believed to the main source of infection.
It can spread as a result of:
-- Eating contaminated food, such as undercooked beef burgers, raw vegetables which have been washed or watered with contaminated water
-- Drinking untreated milk or dairy products
-- Contact with infected animals
Symptoms of E. coli Poisoning
-- Diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
-- Abdominal pain
-- Fever (sometimes)
Symptoms usually appear about 1-3 days after infection.
(It is common in written texts to place the names of bacteria in italics.)
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
A sample of a person's feces (stool) must be tested to confirm E.coli poisoning.
Cattle are believed to the main source of infection.
It can spread as a result of:
-- Eating contaminated food, such as undercooked beef burgers, raw vegetables which have been washed or watered with contaminated water
-- Drinking untreated milk or dairy products
-- Contact with infected animals
Symptoms of E. coli Poisoning
-- Diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
-- Abdominal pain
-- Fever (sometimes)
Symptoms usually appear about 1-3 days after infection.
(It is common in written texts to place the names of bacteria in italics.)
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
