Why can MRSA be considered a serious problem?
MRSA [methicillin-resistant staph aureus] is a serious bacterial infection that is resistant to treatment with standard antibiotics. It is typically a nosocomial [hospital-acquired] post-operative surgical site infection [SSI], and is difficult to eradicate. Even when apparently controlled, it can remain dormant or indolent in the body and recur years later.
What can be done to treat or manage MRSA infections?
Good hygiene practices and other infection control measures can minimize, but not eliminate, the incidence of MRSA infections in a hospital setting since sterile environments are impossible to achieve. “Cluster” outbreaks of infection in a hospital should be tracked and possible sources, including inadequate sterilization of surgical equipment in autoclaves and health care workers as possible “carriers”, should be identified.