Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Question 1

Where is staphylococcus usually found? (commensal of……….)

Answer 1

The skin (nostrils)

Question 2

What antibiotics are used to treat a Staphylococcus aureus infection?

Answer 2

• If cellulitis + NOT MRSA : Flucloxacillin (beta lactam, penicillin)
• If MRSA : Vancomyocin (vancomyocin)

Both=cell wall inhibitors

Question 3

What conditions can staphylococcus aureus cause?

Answer 3

• Cellulitis
• Skin absess
• Prosthetic valve endocarditis

Question 4

What is the structure/appearance of Staphylococcus aureus?

Answer 4

• Gram positive cocci
• Grape-like arrangement

Question 5

What patients are at risk of developing skin abescesses?

Answer 5

• Diabetic patients (minor scratch)
  
  • (Immunocompromised patients)

Question 6

How do you manage a skin abscess?

Answer 6

• Skin swab–>culture
  
  • Staph aureus= coagulase positive

Question 7

What’s the difference between cocci and bacilli bacteria?

Answer 7

Question 8

How is MRSA resistant to most beta-lactam antibiotics?

Answer 8

produces protein 2a- brinds to penicillin

Question 9

What syndromes can MRSA cause?

Answer 9

1. Endocarditis
2. Bacteraemia
3. Pneumonia
4. Joint infections
5. Soft tissue infections
6. Skin infections

Question 10

How is MRSA spread?

Answer 10

• Skin-to- skin contact
• Contact- towels, sheets, clothes, dressings (can survive for long time on surfaces)

Question 11

Outline the current infection control policy for MRSA.

Answer 11

1. Active screening- high risk patients and exposed healthcare workers
2. Strict transmission based precautions
3. Treatment of carriage
   
   1. Topical application mupirocin nasal cream
   2. Washing w./ disinfectant agent