MRSA Infections: A Bad Superbug

Community Associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA)

Athletes Beware Of This Bad Superbug!

This is a huge name for a tiny bacteria that causes horrendous damage and many times, even death. MRSA is resistant to treatment with antibiotics related to penicillin. The name 'community Associated' in the name of this infection is because this particular bacterium, that was first found in infections in hospitals, is now a new strain that spreads from person to person in the community and children are particularly susceptible.

Many times, this infection involves athletes, but there have been cases involving non-athletes too. The skin infection starts as a small bump that looks like a pimple or spider bite which becomes redder and develops pus drainage.

Usually staph infections are treated by penicillin, but this particular strain has become resistant to penicillin and all its forms. Methicillin was an antibiotic that was used many years ago to treat patients with staphylococcus aureus infections and it was used so much that the bacteria became resistant.

MRSA is spread by having close contact with an infected person, or it can be spread by touching objects such as towels, sheets, clothes, workout areas or sports equipment that have been contaminated with the staph bacteria MRSA. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria normally lives on the skin and in the nose of healthy people without causing disease, but when there is an injury to the skin like a scrape or cut, the bacteria can enter the break in the skin and cause an infection. When MRSA is left untreated or not recognized early, the infection can spread rapidly and progress to life-threatening blood or bone infections.

School athletic facilities are a prime place for MRSA to grow.

The following guidelines should be followed by athletes and anyone involved in direct physical contact with such individuals:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using any sports facilities.