MRSA AMONG ATHLETES

MRSA among Athletes



MRSA among Athletes

Introduction

MRSA is a kind of Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) bacterium resistant to a class of antibiotics that includes methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. In the past, MRSA was found only in healthcare facilities and caused infections in people who were sick. MRSA now appears in the community causing infections in healthy people, and is known as community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA).

MRSA spread

In the community, staph infections start when bacteria get into a cut, scrape or other break in the skin. This often happens through direct skin to skin contact. Staph, including CA-MRSA, is also spread by contact with items that have come into contact with someone else's infection. Items like towels used in locker rooms or on the playing field and gym equipment are examples (Hernan, M, D & Chang, R 2006).

Symptoms

The symptoms of an MRSA infection and the symptoms of an infection due to other staph are the same. In the community, MRSA commonly causes skin infections that might look like spider bites, infected turf burns, impetigo, boils or abscesses. Pimples, rashes, pus-filled boils, especially when warm, painful, red or swollen, can also indicate a staph skin infection. These skin infections commonly occur at visible skin trauma sites, such as cuts and abrasions, and on areas of the body covered by hair (e.g., the back of the neck, groin, buttock, armpit, beard area of men) (Hernan, M, D & Chang, R 2006).

Staph, including Community-Associated MRSA, can cause rare conditions such as severe skin infections, bloodstream infections, or pneumonia. Symptoms of severe skin infections might include high fever, swelling, heat and pain around a wound, headache, and fatigue (Duncan,C & Dealy, C 2006).

MRSA infections treated

MRSA needs to be diagnosed by a healthcare provider, usually by sending a sample of the drainage to a laboratory to be tested (cultured). Almost all skin infections can be effectively treated by drainage of pus. Antibiotics may or may not be needed. When needed, treatment with antibiotics should be based on the results of the wound culture and sensitivity tests. If prescribed, it is important to use antibiotics as directed. If the infection has not improved within a few days after seeing the healthcare provider, the patient should contact the provider again (Henderson, 2003).

Nurse Responsibilities

Refer to a licensed health care provider. Skin infections might need to be incised and drained and/or antibiotic treatment given, based on a wound culture and sensitivity test results (Duncanson & Pearson, 2005).

Prevent spread

Encourage good personal hygiene and hand washing with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60 percent alcohol or greater).

Individuals with open wounds should keep them covered with clean, dry bandages taped on all four sides.

Gloves should be worn when contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes is expected. Hands should be washed immediately after removing gloves.

Make sure supplies are available to comply with prevention measures, such as soap dispensers in showers and at ...