MRSA/VRE
MRSA
What is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)?
MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to several commonly used antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are often found on the skin or in the nose of healthy people without causing harm, a state know as colonization. However, MRSA can cause infections ranging from mild skin infections to more serious infections particularly in health care settings.
What causes MRSA?
MRSA develops when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria change over time and become resistant to antibiotics. Risk factors for MRSA acquisition include invasive procedures, prior treatment with antibiotics, prolonged hospital stays, stay in an intensive care or burn unit, surgical wound infection and proximity to a colonized person. Community acquisition can occur from athletic facilities, crowded living conditions such as shelters, and sharing needles or injection equipment.
How does MRSA spread?
MRSA is spread from one person to another by direct contact, usually on the hands of caregivers. It can also live on surfaces in the environment and spread through indirect contact such as from contaminated shared equipment. MRSA is easy to kill with the proper use of disinfectants and good hand hygiene.
What precautions are taken to prevent the spread of MRSA?
- Additional precautions are taken to stop MRSA from spreading to other patients in the Hospital. These precautions include:
- Single room accommodation
- A long-sleeved gown and gloves must be worn by everyone entering the patient’s room
- A sign is placed at the patient’s door to remind all who enter about the additional precautions required
- The room and the equipment used in the room are cleaned and disinfected regularly
- The patient must clean his or her hands before leaving the room
Families and visitors are also required to wear a gown and gloves while in the patient’s room, and to dispose of them in the containers provided and perform hand hygiene prior to leaving the room. They are encouraged to leave their belongings outside the room as to prevent contamination.
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VRE
What is Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)?
VRE is a type of bacteria that has become resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. Enterococcus i are bacteria that are normally live present in the human intestines, and in the genital tract and are often found in the environment. They usually do not cause harm, a state called colonization. However, VRE can cause infections. Mostly urinary tract infections and wound infections particularly in people who are hospitalized or have weakened immune systems.
What causes VRE?
VRE develops when Enterococcus bacteria adapt and become resistant to vancomycin, often due to antibiotic exposure, especially prolonged or repeated use. Infection can occur when the bacteria spread from the gut to other parts of the body on enter through medical devices, wounds.
How does VRE spread?
It spreads mainly through direct contact, especially via contaminated hands, or indirectly from contaminated surfaces or equipment which is why hand hygiene, environmental cleaning and contact precautions are essential to prevent transmission. VRE is easy to kill with the proper use of disinfectants and good hand hygiene.
What precautions are taken to prevent the spread of VRE ?
- Additional precautions are taken to stop VRE from spreading to other patients in the Hospital. These precautions include:
- Single room accommodation
- A long-sleeved gown and gloves must be worn by everyone who enters the patient's room
- A sign is placed at the patient’s door to remind all who enter about the additional precautions required
- The room and the equipment used in the room are cleaned and disinfected regularly
- Everyone who leaves the patient’s room must clean their hands well
- The patient must clean his or her hands before leaving the room
- Families and visitors are also required to wear a gown and gloves while in the patient’s room, to dispose of them in the containers provided and perform hand hygiene prior to leaving the room. They are encouraged to leave their belongings outside the room as to prevent contamination.
