Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

[Impact and control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in long-term care facilities]

Adriana Manzur1, Miquel Pujol

  • 1Equipo de Control Infección Nosocomial, Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España. admanzur@yahoo.com.ar

Revista Espanola De Geriatria Y Gerontologia
|August 7, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing concern in long-term care facilities. Simple preventive measures can effectively reduce MRSA transmission without limiting resident activities.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Context:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant challenge in long-term care facilities (LTCF).
  • High rates of MRSA colonization are observed in elderly residents, particularly in certain centers.
  • The clinical impact of nasal MRSA colonization is often minimal.

Purpose:

  • To address the growing concern of MRSA infections in LTCF.
  • To highlight effective prevention strategies for MRSA transmission.
  • To emphasize the importance of simple, proven preventive measures.

Summary:

  • MRSA infections are an increasing issue in LTCF, with high colonization rates in the elderly.
  • Despite high colonization, the clinical impact of nasal MRSA is typically minor.
  • Effective prevention includes hand hygiene, wound care, and judicious antibiotic use.

Impact:

  • Implementation of basic preventive measures can significantly reduce MRSA transmission in LTCF.
  • These strategies allow for the continuation of normal activities for colonized residents.
  • Avoidance of active surveillance and activity restrictions is recommended.

Related Concept Videos

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth01:29

Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth

Microbial growth control refers to various methods employed to inhibit, reduce, or eliminate microorganisms to ensure safety and hygiene across different settings. These methods are categorized based on the target environment and the level of microbial control required.Biocides are versatile agents designed to control microorganisms by either inhibiting their growth or outright killing them. These agents work through various physical, chemical, mechanical, or biological mechanisms. The...
Antimicrobial Effectiveness01:28

Antimicrobial Effectiveness

The effectiveness of antimicrobial agents depends on various factors influencing their ability to eliminate microbial populations. Larger microbial populations require more time for complete eradication, emphasizing the importance of population size analysis when evaluating antimicrobial efficacy.Microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents varies significantly. Highly resilient microorganisms include endospores, gram-negative bacteria, and non-enveloped viruses, while prions are exceptionally...