Behind the health condition colloquially referred to simply as MRSA infection lies a whole circle of symptoms that has recently and continues to affect a large number of hospitalized patients.
What is MRSA infection?
MRSA represents a disease characterized by infection that can significantly and even life-threateningly reduce the general condition of those affected. Within the definition of MRSA as an abbreviated term for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, resistance, an insensitivity of a particular strain of microbial pathogens, occurs. In the case of MRSA, this means that these bacteria are insensitive to a whole range of antibiotically active drugs and show no treatment effects. People who have a healthy immune system are unlikely to contract MRSA. However, for individuals who have reduced immune system functioning due to incomplete development, advanced age, or existing disease, they often contract MRSA. People who are vital and have no health restrictions hardly ever contract MRSA. However, MRSA is transmissible.
Causes
The causes of MRSA initially include the pathogens that also occur normally in intact and healthy organisms. These vital Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are accustomed to these substances by the continuous and permanent, sometimes even underdosed, administration of antibiotics and no longer respond to them. This leads to the fact that with MRSA a large variety of diseases can be expressed. These are no longer treatable with the usual antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria, because the germs can no longer be rendered harmless. The bacteria have thus become resistant to antibiotics. In addition, reduced immune defenses and a high rate of infection due to predestined transmission routes, as well as poor hygiene and disinfection (e.g. in hospitals) are also the causes of MRSA. Recently, cases of MRSA infections due to poor hospital hygiene have been increasing in Germany. It is not uncommon for patients to become ill during surgery due to poorly disinfected surgical instruments.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
MRSA infection is noticeable through inflammatory processes that can occur locally or systemically. Localized infections occur as purulent inflammations of the skin, sebaceous glands, or hair follicles: They usually present as pressure-sensitive boils (abscesses), small purulent nodules (boils) or skin rashes. After injuries or operations, multidrug-resistant germs cause wound infections that do not improve even when antibiotics are administered and, in the worst case, result in tissue death (necrosis). If the pathogens penetrate into deeper regions of the body, middle ear infections, sinusitis, urinary tract infections or meningitis can develop. Coughing and shortness of breath indicate involvement of the lungs, and infestation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) or bone marrow (osteomyelitis) is also possible. Occasionally, the bacteria settle in joints and trigger inflammatory reactions with swelling and overheating of the joints (septic arthritis). Systemic MRSA infections are often accompanied by fever and a general feeling of illness; in a blood test, the inflammation levels are significantly elevated. If the pathogens enter the bloodstream, the infection can spread to the entire organism and lead to life-threatening blood poisoning (sepsis) with high fever, chills, increased pulse rate and progressive organ failure. In the setting of food poisoning, toxins produced by the bacteria cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Diagnosis
Within the diagnostic measures for the detection of MRSA, special laboratory procedures come into question, which are particularly intended to provide germ detection and its resistance testing. So-called molecular biology procedures complement these diagnostic measures for MRSA. A status known as an antibiogram shows the antibiotic drugs to which the Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strain is resistant. Swabs from the nasal mucosa in the nasal vestibule, from the pharyngeal region and from the armpits serve as examination materials.Blood, purulent secretions and excretions from wounds are also used for laboratory testing. In addition, long-lasting and hardly treatable disturbances of wound healing as well as permanent infections indicate the presence of MRSA.
Complications
As a result of MRSA infection, it is not uncommon for affected individuals to suffer from blood poisoning. This represents a very dangerous condition for the patient’s body and can lead to death if prompt treatment is not given. Vomiting or diarrhea also occur, so that the quality of life of the affected person is considerably reduced and restricted. The patient’s everyday life is also drastically restricted by the symptoms, so that it is usually no longer possible for the patient to perform strenuous activities. Likewise, the MRSA infection leads to severely delayed wound healing and thus to permanent infections and inflammations. These can also lead to further complications and, in the worst case, death. Treatment of MRSA infection is carried out with the help of various antibiotics. No particular complications occur, although it is not uncommon for the antibiotics to have various side effects. Furthermore, rinsing of the oral cavity is also necessary. Likewise, those affected must avoid contact with other people. Whether MRSA infection results in a reduced life expectancy cannot be generally predicted. This prognosis depends heavily on the severity and treatment of this disease.
When should you see a doctor?
Changes in the appearance of the skin, rashes, or the development of abscesses are signs of an existing health condition that should be evaluated by a physician. If lumps form on the skin, there is pus formation, itching or open sores, a doctor is needed. If the affected person cannot provide adequate sterile wound care to the affected areas on the body, the assistance and support of a physician is necessary to prevent complications. Pain when going to the toilet, a feeling of pain inside the body, and a general feeling of discomfort are symptoms that need to be examined by a doctor. Consultation with a medical professional must take place before taking a pain medication so that no additional impairments develop. If symptoms such as coughing or problems with breathing occur, a visit to the doctor is necessary. A general feeling of illness, a decrease in the usual performance as well as fever, nausea and vomiting are signs of an illness. A visit to the doctor is necessary so that the cause of the complaints can be determined and treatment initiated. If the affected person suffers from chills, disturbances of the heart rhythm, diarrhea or sleep disturbances, he should consult a doctor. If everyday duties can no longer be performed or if there is a sharp deterioration in health within a short period of time, a doctor is needed. A sudden sensation of warmth in the joints should also be presented to a doctor.
Treatment and therapy
Various procedures are used as part of the therapeutic measures against MRSA. Adhering to the appropriate disinfection measures and to prevent transmission of the germs, affected individuals are rarely isolated. However, this need not be the case in every case. In the drug treatment of MRSA, physicians rely on a complex combination of different antibiotics. These are determined on the basis of the antibiogram for MRSA and contain only those substances that kill the bacteria. Special antibiotic and penicillin-containing products such as rifampicin, clindamycin as well as gentamycin can be administered. In this context, the intake prescriptions must be followed exactly with an effective therapy of MRSA. In addition, combination preparations as fosfomycin and fusidic acid as well as linezolid are used against MRSA. In addition, MRSA therapy requires rinsing of the mouth and throat, nasal ointments containing mupirocin, and skin cleansing based on antiseptic additives. Regular laboratory-based monitoring of appropriate body fluids or excretions is required in MRSA and allows for accurate progression assessment and targeted treatment of specific disease symptoms.
Outlook and prognosis
In most patients, the prognosis for MRSA infection is favorable.Medications are administered so that a reduction in symptoms can be expected within a short time. As soon as complications arise, alternative preparations are prescribed, which also aim to alleviate the symptoms. Often, after a few weeks, freedom from symptoms is documented and the patient is discharged from treatment as recovered. To support a good health development, the affected person can additionally apply supportive measures of self-help. In addition to various preventive measures, the patient can also use unions and rinses on his or her own responsibility during the healing process. On the one hand, this shortens the healing process and additionally mobilizes the body’s own defense system. In the case of an unfavorable course of the disease, however, a life-threatening condition can develop. If left untreated or in the case of a very unfortunate course of further health developments, the affected person may suffer a secondary disease. There is an increased risk of developing sepsis with MRSA infection. Sepsis is potentially life-threatening for the patient and can lead to premature death within a short period of time. In addition, there is the possibility of permanent infections or other inflammatory diseases. In people with weak immune systems, these can also lead to premature death of the patient.
Prevention
To prevent MRSA disease, which rarely breaks out in healthy people, it is fundamental to pay attention to appropriate hygiene. If it is known that there are people in the daily environment who have MRSA, then additional protective measures will also be necessary in the private sphere. There is no objection to the sensible use of disposable gloves and suitable disinfectants or to skin or body contact as part of a preventive measure. However, if there are open wounds or skin lesions that need to be treated, it is important to follow disinfection guidelines to prevent germ spread and infection.
Follow-up
MRSA infection often causes affected individuals to suffer from blood poisoning. For this reason, immediate treatment by a physician is needed. Diarrhea and vomiting occur. The quality of life of affected persons is considerably impaired. Affected persons are permanently dependent on the help and support of relatives. Simple activities can no longer be performed independently. This can lead to severe depression and other mental illnesses in those affected. Only a low level of resilience is possible. Strenuous activities cannot be performed, as the complaints then worsen. Uplifting conversations with friends and relatives can help to relieve the mental pressure and prevent the development of depressive moods. Sufferers must rinse the mouth frequently. No contact with other people should be maintained. Whether MRSA infection reduces the life expectancy of affected persons can only be decided on a case-by-case basis. This depends on the severity of the disease and the start of treatment. Regular appointments with the physician should also be made after the acute phase of the disease to ensure that no further complications occur.
What you can do yourself
MRSA infection can be treated by yourself with the help of various measures. Above all, it is important to comply with the prescribed disinfection measures. Only sufficient hygiene can reliably prevent the spread of infection and also reduce the risk of infection. Transmission of the germs can also be prevented by the affected person taking sick leave during the first few days of the illness. This is necessary above all because of the high risk of infection from the causative pathogens. The medical treatment of MRSA can be supported, for example, by antibiotic preparations from naturopathy and homeopathy. For example, the anti-inflammatory devil’s claw and the remedy belladonna have proven effective. Regardless of which remedy is used, a doctor should approve and monitor the treatment. Furthermore, regular rinsing of the mouth and throat is indicated. The affected person can also use nasal ointments containing mupicrocin and care products based on antiseptic additives. In addition, close monitoring by the physician is always necessary.If the above measures have no effect or if unusual symptoms develop, it is best to consult the responsible physician again.
