MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

What is MRSA?

Staphylococcus aureus is a common germ that can live harmlessly on the skin and in the nostrils of healthy people. It has been around and known to cause infections for many years. It is commonly found in the nose or on the skin of about one third of the population without causing any problems. However, if the germ gets into a cut or a break in the skin it may cause an infection, which can usually be treated easily with common antibiotics.

MRSA is a particular strain of the germ that has become resistant to some antibiotics. Like ordinary Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA does not pose a risk to healthy people and can be carried without causing any harm.

MRSA may cause an infection if it finds a way to get into the body such as through breaks in the skin, surgical wounds or through a drip site. MRSA is then more difficult to treat than other Staphylococcal infections due to its resistance to some antibiotics.
 

How can you get MRSA?

MRSA is often referred to as a ‘hospital superbug’. It has however become increasingly common in the general population and can be caught and passed on almost anywhere. People with MRSA can carry the germ without knowing it and without it affecting them. MRSA can be passed from person to person by direct touch so someone carrying the germ on their hands or skin can pass it on to another person. It is often not clear where or when MRSA is contacted.
 

How is it diagnosed?

People who carry MRSA do not look or feel any different. It is only found by taking swabs and growing the bacteria in a laboratory.

People who have signs and symptoms of an infection may have swabs taken to see which germ is causing the infection.
 

What happens if I am diagnosed with MRSA?

If you are carrying MRSA without it causing an infection (colonised) you may be prescribed a special body wash and a cream for your nose or other treatments to try to remove the germ. Staff at the hospital will speak with you and give you instructions on how to use the treatment and inform you what happens next.

If you have an infection your doctor will discuss the appropriate treatment with you. Although MRSA is resistant to most common antibiotics there are several antibiotics available that are effective against this germ.
 

What does the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital do to help prevent MRSA spreading?

Good hand washing by staff, patients and visitors is very important in stopping the spread of MRSA. Staff routinely clean their hands with a hygienic hand rub before caring for a patient.

High standards of hospital cleanliness are maintained by our hygiene staff.

At the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital it is our practice to screen patients before they come into hospital for certain procedures or an operation. Screening for MRSA is a simple test involving taking a swab from your nose, throat and groin. If you are required to undergo this test, a nurse will discuss this with you. Patients who are found to be carrying MRSA without it causing an infection are treated using a special body wash, nasal cream or other treatments. This reduces the chances of the patient becoming infected or spreading the germ to other patients.
 

What can I do to help prevent MRSA spreading?

MRSA can be spread on hands; hand hygiene is an effective way to stop it spreading. You should always wash your hands:

• After using the toilet

• Before eating or preparing food

• When your hands appear dirty

• Before and after caring for a wound

You may notice bottles of hygienic hand rub on the wall by the entrance of the wards or other departments in the hospital. These are for patients, relatives and staff to use before entering. A bottle of hand rub is attached to each patient’s locker. Please inform a member of staff if the bottle becomes empty and they will provide a new one.
 

Treatment for MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

This section is to help you understand the treatment for MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
 

Bactroban Nasal Ointment
 

1.  What Bactroban is and used for:

Bactroban Nasal Ointment (called “Bactroban” in this leaflet) contains antibiotic called mupirocin. It is used:

• To kill a group of bacteria in the nose called “Staphylococci” This group includes MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

• This ointment is for use in your nose only.

2. Before you use Bactroban

Please inform the nurses if you are allergic to any medications.

3. How to use Bactroban

Always use Bactroban exactly as your doctor, nurse or pharmacist has told you. You should check if you are not sure.

Using this Medicine

Apply Bactroban to your nose three times a day.

1. Wash and dry your hands

2. Place a small amount of Bactroban about the size of a match head on your little finger or use a cotton bud if available.

3. Sit upright on a chair and lean back

4. Apply the Bactroban to the inside on one nostril

5. Repeat steps 2,3 and 4 for your other nostril

6. Press the sides of your nose together to spread the ointment around the nostril.

7. Wash your hands.

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines Bactroban can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

The following side effects are uncommon but may happen with this medicine:

• A rash, itching, redness, burning or stinging of the nose.

• If this occurs wash off and inform your nurse or doctor

Hibiscrub Wash
 

5.  What Hibiscrub is and used for

Hibiscrub is an antimicrobial skin solution. It should be used once a day when bathing or showering.

Patients are usually asked to use it for 5 days.

Directions for use

1. Use about 30mls (about an egg cup of the solution)

2. Wet your skin first

3. Apply the solution directly to the skin using hands or flannels.

4. Wash vigorously and ensure the Hibiscrub is in contact with the skin for at least 1 minute paying particular attention to the arms and the groin area.

5. The solution can also be used as shampoo to wash your hair (avoid contact with eyes)

6. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

If your skin becomes very dry or irritated after using the solution please stop using it and inform the nursing staff.

If you have any concerns or require further information regarding MRSA or any other infection, please call the Infection Prevention and Control Team on:

0151 600 1326 or 0151 600 1057

The UK Health security Agency website is another source of information:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency