Mrsa
Symptoms of an MRSA infection
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
The symptoms of an MRSA infection will depend on what part of the body is infected.
Skin and soft tissue MRSA infections
If MRSA infects theskin, itcan result in a wound infection, Carbuncles or abscess .
If it infects the deeper layers of skin, it's known as cellulitis .
Typical symptoms are:
- redness
- swelling
- tenderness
- pain
- a discharge of pus
Some people have additional symptoms, such as a high temperature (fever) and a general feeling of being unwell.
These infections can also be caused by bacteria other than MRSA, so having the symptoms above doesn'tnecessarily mean you have MRSA.
Invasive MRSA infections
If the MRSA bacteria penetrate deeper inside your body or into your blood, they can causea more serious, invasiveinfection.
Signsof an invasive infection include:
- a high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above
- chills
- generally feeling unwell
- dizziness
- confusion
- muscle aches and pains
- pain, swelling and tenderness in the affected body part
Examples of invasiveMRSA infections include:
- blood poisoning (sepsis) which could lead to septic shock , where your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level
- urinary tract infection (UTI) infection of thetubes through which urine passes
- endocarditis infection of the heart valves
- pneumonia a lung infection
- septic bursitis inflammation ofa fluid-filled sac that forms under the skin (usually over a joint)
- septic arthritis a joint infection
- osteomyelitis a bone infection
Click on the links above for the specific symptoms of these infections.
Articles for Mrsa
Causes of MRSA infection
MRSA is a type of staphylococcal bacteria that has developed resistance to a number of widely used antibiotics.
Introduction
MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to a number of widely used antibiotics. This means MRSA infections can be more difficult to treat than other bacterial infections.
Preventing MRSA infection
Hospital staff, patients and hospital visitors can take simple hygiene measures to prevent the spread of MRSA and stop infection.
Show me the frequently asked questions about MRSA screening
MRSA screening is usually carried out on people who need to be admitted to hospital for planned or emergency care. In particular, it's recommended for certain groups at the highest risk of becoming infected with MRSA while they're in hospital.
Symptoms of an MRSA infection
The symptoms of an MRSA infection will depend on what part of the body is infected.
Treating MRSA
If you have an MRSA infection, you may need treatment with particular antibiotics. If MRSA screening shows that you just carry MRSA on your skin, you'll need decolonisation treatment to remove the bacteria.
