Where Does it Come From?
Staph Aureus- Skin or nasal mucus membranes of healthy individuals. Can be spread by person-to-person contact, or by coming into contact with a source of contamination. It is the most common “bug” that people acquire as hospital in-patients.
MRSA
- Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus. It is a form of Staph that has become multi-resistant to antibiotics.
Symptoms of Infection
Staph Aureus- May appear as simple skin infections (pimples, cellulites, boils). More serious infection includes pneumonia or meningitis. Some forms of infection may cause food poisoning, or toxic shock syndrome.
- MRSA:Same as Staph Aureus
Prevalence
- According to the Centers for Disease Control, 25-30% of the population is colonized by staph
- According to the CDC, approximately 1% of the population is colonized by MRSA. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation reports that nearly 6% of children with CF have MRSA
Treated With
- Staph: Vancomycin (or equivalent)
- MRSA:May require treatment by a combination of antibiotics.
How to Avoid It
- Staph: Always wash hands before and after a visit to your CF Clinic appointment, or when visiting someone in the hospital. Always maintain 3 feet of distance between yourself and another patient. Keep a hand sanitizer or alcohol wipes available just in case.
- MRSA: Be very strict about following cross-infection protocol. Avoid touching things (like elevator buttons, drinking fountains or even doorknobs) in a patient care area where MRSA may be present. Wear gloves and a mask if necessary.
Additional Information and Scientific Studies
- The Impact of Hygiene and Microbiology on CF Patients (very informative!)
- MRSA in Cystic Fibrosis
- MRSA in Patients with CF (2004)
- Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (2006)
- Risk Factors of MRSA in Patients with CF (2005)
Where Does it Come From?
Staph Aureus
- Skin or nasal mucus membranes of healthy individuals. Can be spread by person-to-person contact, or by coming into contact with a source of contamination. It is the most common “bug” that people acquire as hospital in-patients.
MRSA- Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus. It is a form of Staph that has become multi-resistant to antibiotics.
Symptoms of InfectionStaph Aureus
- MRSA:Same as Staph Aureus
Prevalence- According to the Centers for Disease Control, 25-30% of the population is colonized by staph
- According to the CDC, approximately 1% of the population is colonized by MRSA. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation reports that nearly 6% of children with CF have MRSA
Treated With- MRSA:May require treatment by a combination of antibiotics.
How to Avoid ItAdditional Information and Scientific Studies
Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-Positive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Lung Infection in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis