NICU
Neonates, Infant, Newborn, Baby, Preemie
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Other NICU MRSA articles: Infant MRSA in the NICU
What is MRSA?
MRSA is a bacteria that causes infection, most commonly on the skin. This strain of staph can be particularly dangerous among people with low immune systems, such as babies. The reason this this is so dangerous is because it is resistant to numerous antibiotics that once were able to treat it. While there are still medications that can treat this, it is a bacteria that is constantly evolving and adapting.
Infants in the neonatal ICU are often placed in contact isolation, as it can be passed from skin to skin contact, or by touching an object hosting the bacteria. They are put on antibiotics to help clear the MRSA. They will usually remain in isolation until discharged.
Treatment
While many antibiotics cannot treat MRSA, there are still several that can. Practicing good hand washing is an invaluable way to prevent the further spread of MRSA.
See Also:
• Infant MRSA in the NICU
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - MRSA
• WebMD - MRSA
• Medline Plus - MRSA