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VHA MRSA Prevention Initiative
Improving Safety and Protecting Veterans

MRSA Overview

MRSA: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

What is MRSA?
 MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Staphylococcus (STAFF-ih-low-KOCK-us) aureus (ARE-ee-us) is a type of “super” germ that lives in the nose, on the skin, and on other surfaces that come in contact with the bacteria. In most cases, this “super” germ causes no infection. But in some people it can cause serious wound and blood infections. MRSA is considered “methicillin resistant” because it does not react to methicillin or other standard medicines. Hospitals and other health-care facilities have been found to be the major sources of MRSA. However, there have also been a few cases of MRSA in the community.

What is colonization?
 Some people can pick up and carry MRSA for weeks or months. A person who is a carrier of MRSA has the germ on their skin, clothing and their immediate surroundings, but has no symptoms or visible signs that they have it. This is called “colonization” (call-uh-nih-zay-shun). MRSA only becomes dangerous when it enters a break in the skin as a result of surgery or trauma. The only way to check for colonization is by a test called a “culture”. A swab is rubbed on the skin or in the nose. This is then sent to the lab to be tested for MRSA.
 

Who gets MRSA?
People who are at the greatest risk for developing an infection or become colonized are those who:

  1. Are elderly or children
  2. Are very ill
  3. Are unable to fight off infection because of a serious disease such as HIV or diabetes
  4. Have been recently hospitalized or undergone a surgical procedure

Cover of MRSA brochure, Join the Battle to Prevent infection, Infection Prevention: It's in your hands

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