What Are the Treatments for an MRSA Infection Carrier?

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is a highly infectious, antibiotic-resistant bacteria that, according to Patient UK, has unfortunately become more common in the last 25 years. An MRSA infection typically presents with a high fever and skin infections, and more rarely, urinary tract infection and pneumonia. If you are a carrier of MRSA, this means that the bacteria have colonized on you, but you show no sign of infection. You may become infected at some point, and you are most capable of infecting other people. The typical treatment for an MRSA carrier is a five-day, three-part course of therapy that treats the carrier, his home and all members of his household.

Prior to Treatment

Several steps must be taken before MRSA treatment can be initiated. First, since it is essential that all household members be treated simultaneously, a time must be agreed upon with your doctor. Second, any infection present in any household member must be treated and cured. Any open sores or skin condition must be eliminated. Last, while you and your household are awaiting treatment, there are steps you should take to reduce the chance of further infection: Wash your hands before contact with others using chlorhexidine hydrochloride soap; cover any open sores with clean, close-fitting dressings; and twice weekly, thoroughly shower your body and hair using 4 percent chlorhexidine hydorchloride soap.

Part One

It is vital that you remove the bacteria from your nasal area. Your doctor will prescribe a 2 percent mupirocin nasal ointment, which you will apply three times daily to both nostrils. Using a separate cotton swab for each nostril, you will apply the ointment to the inside your nostrils, going up only as far as your finger can go. Once the ointment has been applied, you will squeeze your nostrils together to evenly distribute the mupirocin. Following each nasal treatment, you must wash your hands with the 4 percent chorhexidine hydrochloride soap.

Part Two

According to Sweden's National Board of Health, your doctor will instruct you to shower daily with a 4 percent chlorhexidine hydrochoride soap, thoroughly washing your face (particularly around your nose), hair and body. You will be directed to wash your armpits first, then the rest of your body, paying particular attention to your navel, genitals and rectum. You will then rinse well and dry with a clean towel. If you use washcloths in the shower, you will be directed to discard them or wash them in boiling temperatures.

Part Three

Your home will need to be treated, too. The National Board of Health recommends that you disinfect all horizontal surfaces with antibacterial soap and water, that you air out your home daily, and that things that are touched frequently--like doorknobs, water faucets, toilets, refrigerators or cabinet doors--be disinfected every day. All members of the household will need to have separate towels, washcloths and bed linens; and all of these, in addition to all pillowcases, duvets, underwear and dishcloths, will have to be cleaned at boiling temperatures. Your doctor will instruct you that, on the second day and the last day of therapy, you should vacuum your entire home and change all bed linens.

After Treatment

Approximately three weeks following the completion of your treatment, your doctor will test you again to make sure that the MRSA has been eradicated. Typically, if other household members were not infected, they will not require testing, but that will be up to your doctor.

Resources

• MRSApedia
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention