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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: is it a problem for nasal surgery?
1Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Cambridge and West Suffolk NHS Trust, Bury St. Edmunds, UK. aloksharma@mac.com
Abstract:
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming ever more prevalent in the UK, and the proportion of MRSA to methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) seems to be increasing. New strains of MRSA are ever developing resistance to antibiotic treatment, increasing morbidity and mortality of infection. Staphylococcus aureus is part of the normal flora of the nose, and MRSA colonizes the nose in infection. However, nasal surgery is rarely complicated by staphylococcal infections, and MRSA infection following nasal surgery is rare. The authors present a literature review of MRSA infection, its relation to the nasal cavity, and infection following nasal surgery.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasingly common in the UK. While MRSA can colonize the nose, infections after nasal surgery remain rare, despite evolving antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Surgical Infections
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence is rising in the UK.
- MRSA exhibits increasing resistance to antibiotics, leading to higher infection rates.
- Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, commonly colonizes the nasal cavity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on MRSA infections.
- To examine the relationship between MRSA and the nasal cavity.
- To assess the incidence of MRSA following nasal surgery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review.
- Analysis of MRSA prevalence and resistance patterns.
- Evaluation of MRSA occurrence in relation to nasal surgery.
Main Results:
- MRSA is increasingly prevalent in the UK compared to methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).
- Emerging MRSA strains show resistance to multiple antibiotics.
- Staphylococcal infections, particularly MRSA, are infrequent complications of nasal surgery.
Conclusions:
- Despite nasal colonization by MRSA, post-surgical infections are rare.
- The study highlights the need for ongoing surveillance of MRSA.
- Understanding MRSA's role in nasal surgery complications requires further investigation.
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