MRSA in Nursing Home Residents
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Long Term Care
Sep 18, 2009
Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, is a staph infection that has developed resistance to certain antibiotics. This bacteria can cause an infection in various places in and on the body, such as the skin, lungs, urinary tract, bones, joints, heart, and blood.
The average age of a person with MRSA in a healthcare facility is 68, according to Dr. Debbie Bridges’s WedMD 2008 article entitled “Understanding MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcue Aureus).” Residents in long-term care facilities (LTC), or nursing homes, are at risk for acquiring a MRSA infection and may suffer more severe side effects.
Symptoms of MRSA in Seniors
A MRSA skin infection may first appear as a red, swollen, painful bump that may be filled with pus and can rapidly progress to a deep abscess. The CDC offers numerous pictures of MRSA infections on the skin. A fever and possibly chills may accompany a MRSA infection. Because MRSA can infect many areas of the body, symptoms of an internal infection would be related to the area affected. For instance, a MRSA infection in the lungs is often accompanied by a cough and shortness of breath, while a MRSA infection of the urinary tract may cause frequent and painful urination, among other symptoms. The elderly may exhibit signs of sudden confusion as a sign of any infection, including a MRSA infection.
How MRSA is Spread in Older Adults
MRSA of the skin is spread by contact. For example, if a healthcare worker touches an infected wound or surface with her bare hands, she has directly contacted the bacteria. If she then touches another resident without washing her hands, the MRSA can be transferred to that resident through indirect contact. Coming into contact with the bacteria does not necessarily mean that the person will acquire a MRSA infection.
Some people are colonized with MRSA, which means that they carry the bacteria but do not experience symptoms of an infection. People who are colonized with MRSA can spread the germs to others.
Risk Factors for MRSA in the Elderly
Nursing home residents may have numerous risk factors for acquiring a MRSA infection. The WebMD’s June 23, 2009 article entitled “MRSA Infection: Risk Factors” by the MayoClinic staff lists several specific risks for MRSA including some of the following:
- Breaks in the skin, particularly uncovered wounds
- Inserted tubes such as indwelling urinary catheters, intravenous catheters, central lines, dialysis catheters, or feeding tubes
- Shared living quarters with other people
- Exposure to shared equipment, particularly equipment that is not properly sanitized between residents. The CDC offers specific information regarding how to clean environmental surfaces in order to prevent and control the spread of MRSA.
- A weakened immune system
- Close and repeated contact with healthcare professionals
- Recent antibiotic use, particularly fluoroquinolones and cephalosporin
- Recent hospitalization
- Existing infections, such as aspiration pneumonia or a UTI
Ways to Prevent MRSA in Nursing Homes
Prevention of a MRSA infection requires careful attention from many different people, including residents, staff, administrators, family members, and visitors. Several preventive tips to decrease the likelihood of contracting MRSA in a nursing home include:
- Always using appropriate hand hygiene
- Not sharing personal items
- Communicating with staff immediately if a skin change or signs of infection appear
- Careful skin monitoring
- Keeping wounds covered
- Utilizing standard precautions consistently
- Applying contact precautions for those experiencing a MRSA infection
- Ensuring appropriate cleaning of the facility and linens
- Avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics
- Considering surveillance cultures to identify carriers
- Encouraging healthy lifestyle habits
- Avoiding visiting when sick
Best Tips to Prevent and Avoid MRSA in Nursing Homes
Although MRSA can produce serious and potentially fatal infections in nursing home residents, many simple techniques can be used to help prevent the spread of MRSA. By understanding MRSA’s risks, symptoms, and how it is spread, people in nursing homes and their caregivers can decrease the likelihood of a MRSA infection or serious complications due to MRSA.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Anyone experiencing symptoms of a MRSA infection should immediately notify a healthcare provider.
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