Staph normally lives on the skin and sometimes in nasal passages.
If an opening in the skin occurs, bacteria may enter the body and cause an infection.
There are also two types of MRSA infections, depending on where the MRSA was acquired.
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Usually, CA-MRSA infections are skin infections, such asfolliculitis,furuncles,carbuncles, andcellulitis.
Healthcare-associated MRSA infections are generally more serious and invasive than CA-MRSA infections and often result from surgical wound openings.
Once infected, symptoms unique to that tissue or organ will develop.
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Besides environmental factors, there are others that increase your risk of getting a MRSA infection.
Culture results are usually available within 24 to 72 hours.
Blood cultures are used to diagnose MRSA bloodstream infections.
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Treatment
The mainstay treatment for a MRSA infection is to take an antibiotic.
It’s important to take your antibiotic as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Drainage and one or more antibiotics are used for more serious infections.
The main goals of decolonization are to prevent MRSA transmission and future infection.
Note, however, that decolonizationespecially within the communityis still an evolving practice with no set guidelines.
Prevention
Personal hygiene measuresare key to preventing MRSA infections.
Prompt attention is key to eliminating this superbug.
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