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Physicians Can Help Patients Understand the “Super Bug”

Reading the newspaper or watching television news about the spread of what’s being called the “super bug” could frighten even the most knowledgeable consumer. However, the real extent of the threat and how to effectively deal with it must be kept in perspective.

Here is where physicians can help. Physicians should talk to patients about the differences between community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) and health care associated MRSA (HA-MRSA), and provide some tips on how to prevent infections.

Community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) can be found in the nasal passages of 37 percent of the population. People can have it but never become ill from it. Preventing infection from the bacteria requires that the community be informed. Physicians' role as educators is more important than ever.

Points physicians may wish to stress about CA-MRSA:

• It usually occurs in soft or skin tissue and is less likely to involve the respiratory tract.
• It occurs spontaneously as either a spider bite like mark or an abscess.
• It does not have the same resistance patterns as HA-MRSA and responds to a different spectrum of antibiotics.
• It is more virulent and contains toxins not found in HA-MRSA, especially Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL). This toxin is responsible for the tissue necrosis and destruction of cell membranes and leukocytes associated with CA-MRSA and is the reason why it requires immediate attention.
• Most CA-MRSA infections heal with incision and drainage treatment, and therefore, it is important to recognize the infection, initiate appropriate treatment, and prevent cross transmission.

Families should:

• Allow their physician to be the one to determine whether or not an antibiotic is necessary for any respiratory infection.
• Practice good hygiene.
• Remind children not to share towels, razors, or gym clothing.
• Remind children to tell their parents immediately of any open sores or wounds, especially if they play contact sports.
• Use separate wash clothes, sponges, or puffs, and towels for each family member.
• Wash gym clothing frequently.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Wear sandals in school, gym, or other public showers.
• Remember that MRSA lives in their daily environment and that these tips can be the best protection they have to fight these infections.