MRSA (Community Associated)

Staphylococcus aureus are a bacteria that commonly live on the skin, or in the noses of healthy people. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is the term for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics (semi-synthetic penicillins) such as cloxacillin and methicillin. It can also acquire resistance to other classes of antibiotics.
  • MRSA infections can be difficult to treat and drugs commonly used for treatment of other strains of Staphylococcus aureus are not always effective.

Traditionally, MRSA is seen in people who are taking antibiotics and those individuals who are receiving medical care. More recently, MRSA has been found in people who have no contact with the health care system. This is referred to as community associated MRSA (CA MRSA).

  • In the community, MRSA most commonly causes skin and soft tissue infections (e.g. boils or abscesses on arms, legs or elsewhere).
    • These are treatable with antibiotics.
  • Rarely, MRSA can cause severe invasive infections such as pneumonia and bloodstream infections.
    • These severe infections require urgent medical treatment.

How is MRSA spread?

MRSA bacteria are spread through direct person-to-person contact with a colonized or infected person. It can be passed from hands that are not clean to any person, object or surface they touch. When hands are washed thoroughly or rubbed with alcohol-based hand products, MRSA will likely be removed.

However, if the immediate environment is not clean, hands can very quickly become soiled again. Frequent hand cleaning is necessary to either prevent spreading MRSA to others, or to prevent picking it up from others. There are five "Cs" that describe risk factors for CA-MRSA infections:

  • Crowded conditions
  • Close contact
  • Lack of cleanliness
  • Sharing common personal items, e.g. towels, and
  • Having compromised or broken skin.

CA-MRSA 10 outbreak investigation

The Community Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA) in Alberta exposure investigation was one of the first investigations of its kind in Canada and has been released.

The data driven report highlights the number of people infected with MRSA between June 1, 2005 and February 28, 2006. The main purpose of the investigation was to identify those infected with Community Associated - MRSA 10, a new strain of MRSA and provide information for public health intervention. The results of the investigation are similar to what has been discovered in other jurisdictions and have been shared with health regions and provincial laboratories.

  • The investigation discovered most of the CA-MRSA infections identified were skin and soft tissue. When Alberta Public Health followed up with most individuals infected, a large percent were treated and had recovered.

image of hand washingAlthough on the rise, MRSA is not a new bug. It has been around since the 60s, usually in health care settings where antibiotics are used. This infection can be prevented. It is important to remember to:

  • Wash your hands,
  • Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors, and
  • Bandage all lesions or wounds.

Simple steps such as these will reduce the rate at which Community Associated-MRSA is being spread, especially where people are living or working in crowded conditions.

A Community Associated-MRSA skin infection can start out looking similar to a spider bite. It is a red, tender area that rises up and comes to a head like a small boil. If not treated promptly, the lesions can develop into larger skin infections or, abscesses. Occasionally CA-MRSA can cause severe illnesses such as pneumonia or blood stream infection. CA-MRSA infections are treatable with antibiotics. Anyone with symptoms of an MRSA infection should seek medical advice.

If citizens are concerned or have questions about MRSA, they are encouraged to contact their local HealthLink phone line.

  • The most important tip in preventing the spread of CA-MRSA is "wash your hands."

More information