MRSA
- A bacterium [organism] that is resistant to the
regular
known antibiotics, such as penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and
oxacillin, that are used in the treatment of infections.
- Methicillin is a penicillin related antibiotic.
- Staphylococcus Aureus [or staph] are bacteria usually
found
in the nasal membranes, skin, and hair follicles.
- Does not generally affect healthy individuals though
they
can be carriers of this organism without any observable signs and as a
result unknowingly pass on this organism to persons who are more at
risk for infection.
- Risk factors include persons with compromised immune
systems, intravenous drug users, long term use of antibiotics,
intravenous catheters, people with open wounds [surgical wounds] are
especially vulnerable.
- Staph can cause minor infections such as pimples and
boils.
- Serious infections can occur such as skin infections,
bone
infections, pneumonia, and severe life-threatening bloodstream
infections.
- MRSA is usually spread through bodily contact from an
infected person, and from indirect contact from beds, linen, utensils,
and almost any surface that is already contaminated, especially in
hospital settings and institutions though not exclusively.
- One way to prevent MRSA is to practice good hygiene.
VRE
- An antibiotic resistant bacterium [organism].
- Vancomycin is a powerful antibiotic.
- Enterococcus is a form of intestinal bacteria. Most
commonly found in the urinary tract, digestive tract, gastrointestinal
tract, bloodstream, and intravenous sites.
- Normally not problem causing in healthy individuals,
in
fact they may even carry this organism without any awareness of it.
- Susceptibility to infection is dependent upon many
factors
such as persons who have had major surgery, are immunodeficient,
prolonged hospital stays, numerous antibiotic treatments, the elderly,
newborns, or critically ill patients.
- Infections can include urinary tract infections,
intra-abdominal or pelvic infections, and wound infections.
- VRE is usually spread through bodily contact from an
infected person, eating contaminated food, or indirect contact from
toilet seats, door handles, and almost any surface that is already
contaminated, especially in hospital settings and institutions.
- VRE can survive up to weeks due to its resistance to
extreme temperatures.
- One way to prevent VRE is to practice good hygiene.
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