Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an overview for manual therapists()

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Manual Therapy Professions

Background:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes difficult-to-treat infections with significant morbidity.
• Manual therapists encounter MRSA in their work environments, necessitating awareness and preventive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a practical overview of MRSA relevant to manual therapy professions.
• To guide the identification and prevention of MRSA infections in manual therapy settings.

Main Methods:

• Searched PubMed and CINAHL databases through June 2011.
• Included peer-reviewed articles, government websites, and textbooks relevant to ambulatory healthcare and MRSA management.

Main Results:

• Reviewed 95 citations covering MRSA microbiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and prevention.
• Information categorized into 10 clinically relevant areas for manual therapists.

Conclusions:

• MRSA is a community and clinical risk for patients and athletes treated by manual therapists.
• Manual practitioners are vital in recognizing MRSA and controlling its spread.
• Key prevention methods include recognizing signs, patient education, and strict hygiene practices.