What is MRSA infection?
MRSA infections or the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus infections, are skin infections caused by a group of bacteria known as staphylococcus. These bacteria are responsible for several of the skin infections that we keep on experiencing. Staph boils are one of the most common infections caused by these bacteria.
In the early decades of the twentieth century, the incidence of skin infections caused by the staphylococcus bacteria had increased manifold. A vaccination was therefore developed to treat such bacterial infections. This vaccination was known as methicillin and was developed from penicillin. However, the bacteria began to develop a resistance to it and therefore the name MRSA was given to this infection.
The MRSA bacteria is resistant to most anti biotic drugs. Also termed as superbug, this bacteria appears in grape like clusters and affects the human armpits, throat, nose and groin. Though these bacteria are present on the body, the body’s natural immunity does not let them invade it. These bacteria only enter the skin in case there is a wound or a decrease in the body’s immunity. MRSA bacteria can be transmitted by through direct exchange of skin and body fluids and through shared towels, toys, utensils and food.
MRSA Infection Symptoms
• Pus production in the infected area
• Pus in hair follicles
• Pus collected underneath the skin
• Carbuncles
• Pus in the eyelid gland
• Blistered skin with pus
• Cellulitis
• Small red bumps on skin
These signs of MRSA infection can differ from person to person. While the infection is characterized by pus filled formations on the skin, the early MRSA infection signs are the formations of red bumps which are quite small, all over the skin.
More severe symptoms of the MRSA infections include fever, low blood pressure, chills and mental deterioration. There is also a lot of weakness and fatigue. These signs of sepsis are initial signs and as time progresses, the symptoms grow worse.
There may be development of lung infections that may require hospitalization immediately. Those who have a compromised immunity system like old people, cancer patients or those suffering from HIV infections, are more susceptible to this infection.
People who are hospitalized may get this infection if the MRSA bacteria are able to invade the body through the lesion in the skin from where the needles are inserted. Newly acquired wounds also make a person susceptible to this infection.
