Skin or nasal mucus membranes of healthy individuals. Can be spread by person-to-person contact, or by coming into contact with a source of contamination. It is the most common “bug” that people acquire as hospital in-patients.
MRSA
Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus. It is a form of Staph that has become multi-resistant to antibiotics.
Symptoms of Infection Staph Aureus
May appear as simple skin infections (pimples, cellulites, boils). More serious infection includes pneumonia or meningitis. Some forms of infection may cause food poisoning, or toxic shock syndrome.
According to the CDC, approximately 1% of the population is colonized by MRSA. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation reports that nearly 6% of children with CF have MRSA
Treated With
Staph: Vancomycin (or equivalent)
MRSA:May require treatment by a combination of antibiotics.
How to Avoid It
Staph: Always wash hands before and after a visit to your CF Clinic appointment, or when visiting someone in the hospital. Always maintain 3 feet of distance between yourself and another patient. Keep a hand sanitizer or alcohol wipes available just in case.
MRSA: Be very strict about following cross-infection protocol. Avoid touching things (like elevator buttons, drinking fountains or even doorknobs) in a patient care area where MRSA may be present. Wear gloves and a mask if necessary.
Where Does it Come From?
Staph Aureus
- Skin or nasal mucus membranes of healthy individuals. Can be spread by person-to-person contact, or by coming into contact with a source of contamination. It is the most common “bug” that people acquire as hospital in-patients.
MRSA- Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus. It is a form of Staph that has become multi-resistant to antibiotics.
Symptoms of InfectionStaph Aureus
- MRSA:Same as Staph Aureus
Prevalence- According to the Centers for Disease Control, 25-30% of the population is colonized by staph
- According to the CDC, approximately 1% of the population is colonized by MRSA. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation reports that nearly 6% of children with CF have MRSA
Treated With- MRSA:May require treatment by a combination of antibiotics.
How to Avoid ItAdditional Information and Scientific Studies
Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-Positive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Lung Infection in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis