Oxacillin Resistant Staph aureus (ORSA) – Methicillin Resistant Staph aureus (MRSA)

Staph Aureus



"Staph" or Staphylococcus aureus, is a bacteria commonly found on the skin.

ORSA or MRSA



ORSA stands for Oxacillin Resistant Staph aureus. MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staph



aureus. ORSA and MRSA are different names for the same bacteria. Oxacillin and Methicillin are in the penicillin drug family, and some strains of Staph have become resistant to both of these antibiotics as well as other related antibiotics. Other drugs can be used to treat infections caused by this bacteria.

Where are ORSA, MRSA and Staph found?



Anywhere on your skin and commonly, in your nose and other moist locations.

Incidence of ORSA/MRSA



Anyone can carry ORSA / MRSA on their skin (or be "colonized" with it) along with many other bacteria.

People who live with or are in contact with others who have ORSA / MRSA

People with a history of dry skin, eczema, or other skin conditions

Children with frequent bug bites or scrapes

Children in diapers

People who have been on antibiotics frequently or hospitalized

Health care workers

However, many people who get ORSA / MRSA infections have no risk factors.

Causes of ORSA / MRSA Infection



Any break in the skin (whether an insect bite or trauma) can increase the likelihood of an infection by allowing the bacteria to enter. Some people may first notice a bump or a pimple under the skin with redness or pain.

Seriousness of ORSA/MRSA



It is important to tell medical providers if your child has a history of ORSA / MRSA:

So that the best antibiotics for you / your child can be given

So appropriate measures can be taken to prevent spread to others

ORSA / MRSA infection can occur in anyone. Being diagnosed with an ORSA / MRSA infection is not a sign of an immune deficiency.

ORSA / MRSA infections are being seen in many people with no other medical conditions or risks.

However, if in addition to this infection, there are other reasons to be concerned, your doctor may choose to evaluate your child's immune system.

Preventing Infection with ORSA / MRSA

Keep your skin healthy.

If you / your child has a skin condition (such as eczema), use the creams and moisturizers that your doctor has instructed you to use

Avoid bug bites by using insect repellant

Avoid sunburn by using sunscreen

Prevent spread in your family (if one person is infected or "colonized")

Encourage showers instead of baths

If your child is too young for a shower, have her / him bathe separately from other family members.

Periodically clean any bath toys with bleach and water or run them through the dishwasher. Avoid bath toys that cannot be thoroughly cleaned such as those with squeakers.

All members of the household should routinely practice good hand washing with soap and water.

Use separate towels and washcloths for each person in your family.

Avoid contact with persons who have draining sores. If you help care for someone with sores, wash your hands before and after caring for the skin sores.

Generally, regular soap is fine for hand washing. Rubbing your hands with soap and water loosens bacteria, while rinsing with running water removes bacteria from your hands.

Your doctor may:

Recommend a special soap (like Hibiclens® or Phisohex®) to be used once a week for 4 or more weeks for bathing.

A hypoallergenic moisturizer or Vaseline® may be used on the skin after bathing in order to limit dry skin.

Prescribe mupirocin cream / ointment (like Bactroban® or Centany®) to apply at the first break in the skin or sight of a pimple to try to prevent more serious infections.

Recommend that you and your family use a mupirocin ointment in the nose 2-3 times a day for 5-7 days for all household members to decrease the risk of having ORSA / MRSA.

Prescribe an oral antibiotic early in an effort to prevent serious infections.



Last Updated: 12/2009

ORSA / MRSA Staph Infections, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center 7/14/11 2:41 PM

Original Article at: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/infectious/diagnose/orsa.htm

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