Tag Archives: MRSA
Outpatient MRSA eradication instructions
Your recent pathology test showed that you are carrying a strain of resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria (germ) that may cause boils or other more serious infections (See also NSW MRSA Fact sheet). Eradication treatment aims to completely remove MRSA from your body. In more than half of the people treated in this way, MRSA […]
Patient advice: recurrent staphylococcal infection
Recurrent staphylococcal infection: Natural history Virulent (aggressive) strains of Staphylococcus aureus (including golden staph- MRSA) are responsible for recurrent skin and soft tissue infections (e.g. boils)in previously well individuals (children and adults). The infections may recur over many months. Eventually some degree of immunity develops and the episodes become less frequent. However episodes may continue to occur […]
Q2 Understanding antibiotic resistance and Staphylococcus aureus
Q2 in our JMO pre-test asked: “What is the main mechanism by which the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus becomes resistant to penicillin?” We gave alternatives enumerating basic mechanisms that micro-organisms use (often in combination) to become resistant to an antimicrobial agent (graphic below). Production of penicillinase (i.e. inactivation by a type of beta-lactamase) was the correct answer– more […]
Treatment of boils – Oz GPs reluctant to rely on scalpelmycin rather than antibiotics
Are you following best practice in the management of boils or recurrent skin infection? We’ve previously addressed this matter detailing a NEJM study that indicated that a majority of US doctors surveyed use incision and drainage only. This recent Australian study investigated treatment of community staphylococcal skin abscesses by GPs and showed that a majority do not follow […]
GP HealthPathways released for recurrent Staph. infection, MRSA and MDRO
The HealthPathways site (based on a model from Christchurch, NZ) are used by our local General Practitioners and others to guide management of common syndromes and to provide guides to hospital-based services. New MRSA and MDRO (multi-drug-resistant organism) pathways provide guidance in keeping with MDRO management recommended across Hunter New England Health District . The Recurrent Staphylococcal Infection pathway includes […]
The World Health Organisation: Antimicrobial Resistance Factsheet
The WHO updated their antimicrobial resistance fact sheet in April 2015. Key facts from the publication are: Antimicrobial resistance threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi. It is an increasingly serious threat to global public health that requires action across all government sectors […]
A cautionary tale: High usage of topical fusidic acid and rapid clonal expansion of fusidic acid-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Clinical Infectious Diseases 2014 New Zealand report Researchers from the University of Auckland report that New Zealand, has now developed world’s highest rates of MRSA to topical antibacterial agents.
AIMED - Let's talk about antibiotics 
Essential clinical care of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (SAB)
Updated 8/5/20. A. Healthcare-associated events (2018, HNE LHD ) 60 healthcare-associated SAB cases occurred with 7% due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and age-adjusted 30 day mortality of 9%. SAB relapse within 15-90 days occurred in 2.1% of adult events 7% of paediatric events. Principle sites common: ● Vascular access device (e.g. intravenous cannula, central […]