MRSA major concern in nursing homes

MRSA, or meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that causes life-threatening infections. In nursing homes, MRSA can spread easily because residents live in very close proximity and use common utilities. Nursing home patients often have a range of medical conditions that require antibiotic medication, which cause the patient to build a resistance to drugs increasing their susceptibility to MRSA. Though MRSA is no more virulent than a host of other bacteria, it is of major concern because it is multi-drug resistant, making it very difficult to treat. In patients with compromised immune systems, MRSA is particularly dangerous.

Negligence in nursing homes multiplies the risk of patients contracting a MRSA infection; the bacteria thrive in open wounds, so injuries like bed sores or pressure ulcers make residents very vulnerable to infection. Beyond that, medical instruments like catheters increase the likelihood of MRSA infection.

Concerns over MRSA in nursing homes have begun to rise. In the past, hospitals have been infamous for the spread of MRSA, but now more focus is shifting to long-term care facilities. Recognizing the importance of the issue, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is updating its MRSA recommendations to “apply more specifically to long-term care settings,” according to Liz Garman, a spokeswoman. Unfortunately, these guidelines will not be released until late in the summer.

MRSA is most commonly transmitted through the hands. In a nursing home, this is particularly concerning because aides travel among residents, touching things like knobs, phones, and plates that an infected resident could have easily touched. There are a few basic steps for prevention of MRSA spread.

-routine handwashing with soap and running water

-routine cleaning and linen-changing will prevent bacteria from cultivating

For more information on MRSA and how to prevent infection in nursing homes, click here.