Sepsis and MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA is a staph infection that is immune to many types of antibiotics. (Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)/Antibiotic Resistance) Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that lives on our skin and, most of the time, causes no ill effects. Problems may arise, however, if there is a break in the skin – through a cut, a puncture, or some other opening – that allows the staph to enter into the body.

An unchecked infection may develop into sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency that happens when your body’s response to an infection damages vital organs and, often, causes death. Like strokes or heart attacks, sepsis is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.

There are two types of MRSA infections: community-acquired (CA) and hospital-acquired (HA). The most common type is HA-MRSA, but CA-MRSA is becoming more common.

Suggested Citation:
Sepsis Alliance. Sepsis and MRSA. 2024. https://www.sepsis.org/sepsisand/mrsa/

Updated February 16, 2024.

 

More About MRSA

Spread

Most often, MRSA infection spreads by skin-to-skin contact or through contact with items contaminated by the bacteria. For example, if you skin your knee on a surface that has MRSA, it could enter your body through the break in the skin.

Healthcare-acquired infections are spread by the people inside a healthcare facility. They may touch a patient who has MRSA and then transmit the bacteria to another patient. Patients may also contract MRSA in a facility if they touch contaminated objects, such as a bedside table or bed rails.

Symptoms

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MRSA infections usually appear as a bump or infected area on the skin that might be:

  • Red
  • Swollen
  • Painful
  • Warm to the touch
  • Full of pus or other drainage
  • Accompanied by a fever
At-Risk Groups

Anyone can develop this type infection, however people with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses do have a higher risk. MRSA also spreads easily within healthcare settings.

Treatment

Although MRSA is bacteria methicillin-resistant, it can often be treated with another type of antibiotic.

For effective MRSA treatment, the infection must be caught and treated as early as possible.

Prevention

Not all infections can be prevented, but the chances of spreading infections can be greatly reduced by following these tips:

  • Wash your hands often, particularly if you are in a healthcare facility.
  • Keep wounds clean and covered.
  • Avoid sharing personal items, such as razors.

You can also help protect yourself by eating a healthy diet. Malnutrition, not consuming enough nutrients for your needs, can lower your body’s ability to fight infection.

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Other Topics

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)/Antibiotic Resistance

As more germs become resistant to medicines used to treat infection, more people are at risk for developing sepsis.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that cause your immune system to attack your body’s healthy cells and tissues.

Bacterial Infections

Bacteria are microorganisms that are all around us. Some can cause infections which may lead to sepsis.

Healthcare-Acquired Infections (HAIs)

An HAI is an infection contracted in a healthcare facility, such as an acute care hospital or a skilled nursing care facility.

Impaired Immune System

Your immune system recognizes dangers and fights bacteria, viruses and other dangerous microbes to keep you healthy.

Sepsis Alliance Connect

A virtual support community designed for the millions of people affected by sepsis.

Learn More

MRSA

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