MRSA prevalence and transmission on college campuses

MRSA on Campus

According to Dr. Alan Johnson, MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a bacterium that is normally found in the skin or nose. It is usually harmless at these locations, but can infect the carrier via cuts or other abrasions. When this happens, infection results. Depending upon how deeply into the body the bacterium penetrates, the infection could be mild or serious. Mild infections manifest themselves in problems such as pimples or boils. More serious infections may enter the bloodstream, bones or joints. The main problem is that this infection does not respond to methicillin or other penicillin antibiotics. The reason for this is that this particular strain of Staphylococcus aureus is resistant to the newest developments in antibiotics. While treatment is available for infections by this bacterium, it is complicated by the fact that it is not available in tablet form (Johnson), and can only be administered by a drip or injection.

According to Dr. Johnson, hospitals may experience particular problems with MRSA infections, as patients may carry the bacterium. Such patients are then at risk of being infected during surgery or while receiving treatment for cuts or abrasions. The risk of infection is increased for such patients, as well as those with catheters or immune deficiencies. Patients carrying the bacterium may also infect other patients via contact with hospital staff, via contaminated equipment, or through the environment. Some strains of the infection may even spread between hospitals, as infected patients or staff are transferred between hospitals. According to Johnson, these strains are known as epidemic MRSA.

MRSA in the community has proved to be distinct from that found in hospitals, indicating that the bacteria developed independently from those found in hospital patients. Furthermore, the community strains have a higher infection rate, precluding the risk factors found in infected hospital patients. Concomitantly however, they are also susceptible to a wider range of antibiotics than MRSA found in hospitals and are therefore more easily treated. Particularly, cases occurring in the American state Virginia, where the infection spread among young people in colleges.

Larry O'Dell notes that the increasing outbreaks of MRSA in schools can be controlled if certain preventive measures are put in place. It is for example known that gyms and locker rooms are target locations for infections. People taking part in sports such as football and other athletics share equipment. Taking part in these sports often result in cuts and abrasions, which make these persons vulnerable to infection.

A well-known cliche is that knowledge is power. It is therefore very important that college students be aware of MRSA, its dangers and the locations where it is most likely to infect. People taking part in sports should for example ensure that shared equipment is thoroughly cleaned before and after use. Showers should be routine after each practice session, and any cuts and abrasions should be disinfected immediately. To be safe, serious injuries should be attended to by medical professionals.

All college students taking part in sports should be thoroughly aware of MRSA, its dangers, and how it can be prevented. Training professionals should also be well informed regarding this, and they should be able to answer any questions regarding the bacterium and its treatment. While O'Dell asserts that infection is seldom life-threatening, it should also be noted that serious infections can lead to death. Because infection happens easily, it is therefore important that preventive measures be part of any routine in college.