MRSA is often acquired in hospitals, especially among high risk groups such as people in intensive care units (ICUs). Although infection control has improved, MRSA remains a serious problem if not managed promptly.
Hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that doesn’t respond to many common antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat.
It is frequently contracted in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings, especially by people with weakened immune systems or those undergoing invasive procedures.
Learn more about how people contract hospital-acquired MRSA, including ways to prevent it, possible treatments, and its outlook.
Hospital-acquired MRSA spreads primarily through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, healthcare professionals, or medical equipment.
- Crowding: Overcrowded hospital areas like ICUs and burn units make it harder to isolate people and follow strict infection control, allowing MRSA to spread more easily.
- Contact: MRSA spreads through skin-to-skin contact with people who have the infection or by touching contaminated objects like medical equipment, bedding, or even personal items.
- Compromised skin: Open wounds, surgical sites, and minor cuts are
often sites for MRSA infection. People recovering from surgery or those using devices like catheters are at higher risk. - Contaminated surfaces and objects: MRSA can survive on surfaces like bed rails, doorknobs, and medical instruments. If not properly cleaned and disinfected between uses, these surfaces can easily become sources of infection.
- Inadequate cleanliness: Improper hand hygiene
significantly increases the risk of MRSA transmission, emphasizing the importance of regular handwashing and strict sanitation practices.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around
While many carry MRSA bacteria in their noses without any symptoms, they can still develop serious infections, especially if they have medical devices like catheters or surgical wounds. In 2017, MRSA was linked to nearly
High risk groups, such as those with extended hospital stays or weakened immune systems, are more likely to contract hospital-acquired MRSA.
Despite improved infection control measures, MRSA remains a concern in hospitals. This is especially true in high risk areas where invasive procedures are common, which further
You can take several steps to reduce your risk of contracting hospital-acquired MRSA,
- practicing regular handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers to lower the risk of infection
- asking healthcare professionals to follow strict hygiene protocols, such as washing their hands and wearing gloves before procedures
- keeping wounds clean and avoiding touching bandages to prevent MRSA from entering open skin
- being vigilant for signs of infection, such as discoloration, swelling, or pain around wounds
- requesting isolation, especially if you test positive for MRSA, to prevent spreading the infection to others
- avoiding sharing towels, razors, bedding, or other personal items with other people to reduce the risk of transmission
If you’re in a high risk area such as a burn unit, consider talking with a healthcare professional about preventive treatments like prophylactic intranasal mupirocin to prevent MRSA colonization.
Treating hospital-acquired MRSA can be challenging due to its resistance to common antibiotics. However, depending on the severity and location of the infection, doctors may use antibiotics that MRSA hasn’t become resistant to.
These antibiotics may include:
- Vancomycin (Vancocin): often the first-line treatment for severe MRSA infections, particularly those involving the bloodstream, lungs, or heart
- Daptomycin (Cubicin): used for complicated skin infections and bacteremia (bloodstream infections) when vancomycin is not effective or tolerated
- Linezolid (Zyvox): effective against pneumonia and skin infections, often used for more severe cases of MRSA
- Clindamycin (Cleocin): sometimes used for less severe infections, such as skin infections, but only if testing confirms that the strain is susceptible
In some cases, surgical procedures
The outlook for people with hospital-acquired MRSA varies depending on several factors, such as the site and severity of the infection, how quickly it’s diagnosed, and a person’s overall health.
For many people, especially those who are otherwise healthy, doctors can effectively treat MRSA with antibiotics like vancomycin, and recovery is possible within weeks.
However, those with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions such as kidney failure have a
Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes. However, some people may experience recurrent infections, requiring ongoing medical management.
Hospital-acquired MRSA is a serious and potentially life threatening infection, but it can be managed with proper precautions and treatments.
Practicing good hand hygiene, ensuring proper sterilization of medical equipment, and advocating for infection control measures can help reduce the spread of MRSA in hospitals.
If you’re at higher risk, such as being in an ICU or undergoing surgery, discussing preventive strategies with your healthcare team can further lower your risk.
How common is it to get MRSA?
According to the CDC, around
Should a person with MRSA be quarantined?
People with MRSA should only quarantine if they are showing symptoms and cannot safely cover skin infections, such as those in open wounds.
Is hospital-acquired MRSA contagious?
Yes, hospital-acquired MRSA can be contagious. It typically spreads through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, healthcare professionals, or medical equipment.