About MRSA

What is Staphylococcus aureus? Staphylococcus aureus is a common type of bacterium that is found in humans, animals, and the environment. About a third of people carry this bacterium, usually in the nose and the skin, particularly moist areas such as the underarm and groin. The bacteria are harmless if they remain in these sites, and most people who carry the bacteria do not experience any abnormal symptoms. Occasionally, the bacteria can enter the body, through breaks in the skin or through use of medical devices, and cause infections. These infections can be treated with the right antibiotics.   What is MRSA? Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that has developed resistance to methicillin and other types of antibiotics. This means that these antibiotics can no longer be used to treat MRSA infections. MRSA can be found in patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. It can also be found in people in the community.   How does MRSA spread from person to person? Most people who carry MRSA are perfectly healthy. However, they can still pass on the bacteria to others. This could be either by direct contact, such as touching with the hands, or indirect contact, such as touching taps, handles, railings or other surfaces, where the bacteria can survive and be passed on to other people.   How can I help prevent the spread of MRSA? MRSA is easily killed with proper use of soap and detergents. Good personal hygiene, such as handwashing, is the most important measure to avoid spreading and contracting MRSA. If you provide care for a person with MRSA: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after physical contact with the person Make sure you cover any cuts on your skin with waterproof dressings Ensure that the area around the person, such as the bedroom, is cleaned regularly with detergents Try to avoid sharing personal items and utensils with other family members If you are in good health and work outside healthcare settings, the risk of getting an MRSA infection is very low.

About the study

There have been very few studies of MRSA outside hospitals, so we do not know enough about how MRSA spreads in the community. We are doing this study to get a better understanding of how common MRSA is in the Singapore population, how long people carry MRSA for, and how easily it is passed on between people in the same household. The information from this study will help us to understand if specific measures are needed to control MRSA outside hospitals.

Swabbing Instructions

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Did you know?

Overuse and improper use of antibiotics contributes to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When we use antibiotics unnecessarily, we make it easier for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to emerge, and expose ourselves to unwanted side effects from antibiotics. To help prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance, use antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor, and as directed by your doctor. In the European Union, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA and other types of bacteria, cause 25,000 deaths and 2.5 million extra hospitalisation days every year, at a cost of 1.5 billion Euros In the US, the societal cost of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is estimated at $35 billion annually No new major classes of antibiotics have been developed in the past 30 years to combat the rise in antibiotic resistance

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