MRSA

Community Infection Control NursesLeicestershire, Northamptonshire & Rutland

PCT’sHealth Protection Agency Nurses

Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & RutlandSocial Care Providers

Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Rutland

2006

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

What is MRSA?

•MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a strain of bacteria that is resistant to common antibiotics, including methicillin.

•It can cause boils, abscesses and impetigo plus osteomyelitis and septicaemia

MRSA – The Facts

• MRSA is found today in both the community and hospital settings.

- Most residents with MRSA do not become ill

- MRSA is rarely a danger to the general public

Colonisation verses Infection

Colonisation is the presence and multiplication of

bacteria on the body without causing harm to

the health of that person

Infection is the invasion of a person’s body tissues by

harmful and opportunistic organisms causing

clinical signs of infection to that person

How is MRSA Diagnosed?

The only way to tell if someone has MRSA is to take a swab.

It is not recommended that persons in residential care are treated, or sampled repeatedly, in an attempt to rid them of colonisation.

Extracted from: Infection Control Guidance for Care Homes (DoH 2006)

Treatment of MRSA

Occasionally treatment of colonisation is recommended if a resident is to undergo surgery, but this should be discussed directly the with Infection Control Team at the hospital concerned.

Infection Control Guidance for Care Homes (DoH

2006)

How is MRSA Spread

From one person to another by direct contact usually:

- On the hands of healthcare workers- Contaminated equipment (e.g.

towels, hoists)- Contaminated environment

Good hand hygiene and the use of standard precautions will help to minimise the spread in a community setting.

The single most important measure in preventing the spread of MRSA as with

other Healthcare Associated Infections is:

Effective Hand Decontamination

Standard Infection Control Precautions

• Always maintain hand hygiene– Before and after contact with the

resident– After handling body fluids and items

contaminated with body fluids– After removing gloves and aprons– Before handling invasive devices (e.g.

catheters)

• Liquid soap and water is usually adequate but alcohol hand rubs/gels can be used if hands are visibly clean

Standard Infection Control Precautions

•Maintain a clean environment– There should be a clear plan stating

what is to be cleaned and how often it should be clean.

– Any blood or body fluid spillage should be dealt with immediately according to standard infection control procedures.

Standard Infection Control Precautions

• No additional cleaning requirement are necessary when residents are known to be colonised with MRSA– Use disposable gloves and aprons when

handling blood or body fluids

• Dispose of waste safely - double bagged as domestic waste

Standard Infection Control Precautions

• Linen should be removed from a resident’s bed with care to avoid the creation of dust.

• All linen, including personal linen, should be placed directly into a linen bag and not on the floor.

• Linen should be washed on the hottest temperature the fabric will allow.

Standard Infection Control Precautions

• Gloves and plastic aprons should be worn if handling linen soiled with blood or body fluids

• Hands should be decontaminated after removal of gloves and aprons and/or after handling used linen.Manual soaking/sluicing must never be

carried out.

Treatment of MRSA

Residents with MRSA may:– Socialise with others, eat and drink with

others as long as their wounds or open sores are covered with the appropriate dressing

– Receive visitors and go out of the home to see family and friends

– Share a room with another person who does not have open sores, wounds, urinary catheters or have IV cannulaes

Risks to Staff

• Staff have healthy immune systems so the risks to staff are minimal

• Staff with broken skin should cover wounds with a waterproof dressing to prevent any further risk

• Effective hand hygiene will reduce the risk of acquiring any infection not just MRSA

Any Questions