MRSA Infection (cont.)
Medical Author:
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhDDr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. IN THIS ARTICLE
MRSA Infection Risk FactorsRisk factors for getting MRSA include playing contact sports, sharing towels or other personal items, having any condition that suppresses immune system function (for example, HIV, cancer, or chemotherapy), unsanitary or crowded living conditions (dormitories or military barracks), being a health care worker, and young or old age. Almost anything that leads to breaks in the skin (for example, scratches, abrasions, or punctures) will increase infection risk. Hospitalized patients are at risk of having health care workers and MRSA carriers (people colonized with MRSA bacteria but not symptomatic) accidently transfer MRSA between patients. Unfortunately, hospitalized patients usually have sites (for example, IV lines, surgical incision sites) that are easily contaminated with MRSA. Consequently, direct contact with MRSA organisms on surfaces or on infected people are the highest risk factors for getting MRSA infections. Next Page: Must Read Articles Related to MRSA Infection
Abscess
An abscess is has several causes and can appear on many parts of the body, such as the dental, vaginal, and rectal areas. In general, home remedies or cures are...learn more >>
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed to individuals to cure disease by killing bacteria. There are over 100 antibiotics. The main classes of antibiotics include penicilli...learn more >>
Boils
A boil is a skin infection that is caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus. Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and red, painful, and swollen skin are symptoms of bo...learn more >>
Viewer Comments & ReviewsMRSA - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What were the symptoms of your MRSA? MRSA - Describe Your ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe your experience with MRSA. |
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
From WebMD
Infection Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Staphylococcal Infections »
Staphylococcal infections are usually caused by the organism Staphylococcus aureus.
Featured Topics
Medical Dictionary
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick, easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including 24 hour, pharmacies
