CA-MRSA: A Potentially Deadly Strain of Staph Infection

You may have heard of a staph infection, but there is a particular strain of staph infection you may not know about. It is called community-associated methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), and this strain is potentially deadly.

CA-MRSA is a growing problem: nearly 60% of emergency room visits for skin or soft-tissue infections are a result of this strain of staph infection. This strain, and other staph infections, is contracted through cuts, cracks or abrasions on the skin. The underlying skin layers, muscle and membranes are then infected.

CA-MRSA can cause pain, boils, abscesses and swelling. Without proper treatment, it can even lead to pneumonia, stroke, heart infections or even organ failure. These rare problems occur when a staph infection enters the blood stream and is carried throughout the body.

Community-associated methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus can be contracted almost anywhere, but is more common in gyms and locker rooms. Mats, weight equipment, shared towels, shared bars of soap and razors are common places where this germ lurks. Wipe off equipment before you use it, and use a barrier (like your own towel) between you and the equipment if possible. Even your own razor can be a risk, as shaving causes abrasions, which can allow CA-MRSA in. This staph infection is possibly sexually transmitted.

Treatment of this particular staph infection involves antibiotics like clindamycin and tetracycline. If there is an abscess, the pus must be drained. Also, decolonization must be done. This process cleanses your body - for three to five days, you wash with a surgical scrub. During this time you also use an antibacterial nasal ointment.

There are a few ways to protect yourself from community-associated methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. After a gym workout, shower immediately, with your own bar of soap. Waiting until you get home to shower can give the germs time to work. After using the restroom or being near any sick person, thoroughly wash your hands for fifteen to twenty seconds. Keep a hand sanitizer with you.

Also, be sure that the nail salon you visit uses proper cleaning detergent. If containers aren't cleaned properly between each customer, germs can spread. In some cases, a pet can spread staph infection as well, so wash up after you play with your pet.

If you contract CA-MRSA, it is possible for the infection to recur. To prevent this, follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. Once the infection is gone, cover any wounds you may have, keep your hands clean, and don't share any personal items.

Sources:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html#7
"Outsmart this scary germ", Richard Laliberte; Fitness Magazine, September 2007 issue.