Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in the bacteria which is resistant to the standard antibiotics. Thus, an aggressive treatment strategy is required to treat the infection.
How To Prevent MRSA?
The prevention of MRSA is done by following various guidelines. The immunity should be boosted and the frequent use of antibiotics without diagnosis should be avoided. It has been concluded through research that preventive measure, when strictly followed, significantly reduces the incidence of MRSA infection. The infection is generally caused due to the hospital and is called healthcare-acquired infection or community-acquired infection. Thus, the preventive measures are largely directed at the hospital and the community to reduce the incidence of MRSA infection. Following are the preventive measures against the infection caused due to MRSA:
Isolation Of Infected Patients. The patients who are diagnosed with the Staphylococcus infection should be kept separately to reduce the transmission of infection. Patients with significantly high wound drainage should be taken to an isolated patient care room for further treatment.
Follow Core Infection Control Practice. The core infection control practice should be followed in each healthcare setup. The management and the unit heads should devise the best strategy to prevent MRSA infections. The strategy and protocols should be followed strictly by the members of the hospital.
Use Of Anti-Staphylococcal Antibiotics Prior To Surgery. Anti-staphylococcal antibiotics should be used in at least the high-risk surgeries such as cardiac surgeries. Those hospitals which are on aggressive pat to prevent MRSA infection may use such antibiotics even in the non-risk surgeries. Mupirocin should be administered in the nostrils for the 5 days prior to surgery while intranasal iodophor is given 2 hours prior to surgery to prevent MRSA infection.
Prevent Hemodialysis Bloodstream Infections. Proper hygienic and disinfectant condition should be maintained to prevent the infection during dialysis. An aseptic technique to be followed during catheter and vascular access, Alcohol-based chlorhexidine is the drug of choice during central line insertion and dressing changes.
Prevent Ventilator-Associated Infections. Avoiding ventilator associated infection reduces the time of hospital stay and ensures the early recovery of the patient. Wherever possible, intubation is to be avoided and non-invasive pressure ventilation should be used. Sedation of the patient is minimized, and physical conditioning should be improving and maintained.
Reduce Patient Carriage Of Staphylococcus Infection. Strategies should be adopted to reduce the carriage of Staphylococcus infection by patients. This is ensured by performing Universal ICU decolonization and by administering intranasal anti-staphylococcal antibiotics.
Caring For Surgical As Well As Non-Surgical Equipment. Single-use disposable items should be used as far as possible; Further, in high-risk patients, separate patient-care equipment such as stethoscope is used. If multi-use equipment is the only option, then that equipment used to be disinfected by strictly following the protocol prior to use them in the next patient.
Room And Hospital Hygienic Measures. Room and hospital hygienic measures also help in preventing the spread of MRSA infection. Rooms and hospitals should be disinfected regularly to eradicate the pathogens.
Education And Training. Prevention of MRSA infection in hospitals is not attained without proper training and educating the hospital staff. The procedures should be clearly communicated to the staff especially the hygiene staff and the functions and their performance are monitored regularly.
Self-care To Reduce Community-Acquired MRSA Infection. Apart from the hospital, the MRSA infection can also spread in the community. The best way to prevent infection is to follow hygienic methods. It includes washing your hands with soap, take care of wounds, refrain from sharing personal belongings such as razors, and towels. Further, after exercise or athletic workout, make sure that you should take a bath. Do not wear the same clothes without washing. The athletic equipment should be disinfected with a high-quality disinfectant.
Conclusion
Prevention of MRSA infection requires various preventive measures followed by the hospital as well as the individual himself. This includes following a strict preventive protocol and maintaining proper hygiene.
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