Superbug: or just opportunistic bacteria

Medical communities around the world have been studying and fighting Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, a type of bacterial infection, for a number of years.  In the past, medical communities thought MRSA was only a hospital-acquired staph infection,but several years ago it began emerging unexpectedly in communities.

“There is not a MRSA epidemic or outbreak,” said Dr. (Col.) Steven Princiotta, deputy commander for clinical services at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, and a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases.

“What we have is more public awareness brought on by unusually severe cases that were reported in the media,” Colonel Princiotta said. “We want to give our military community the facts so they won’t be alarmed, but at the same time, take precautions to prevent it spreading in the community,” added Colonel Princiotta.
“The spread of MRSA can be prevented and it can be cured, so it is not a superbug.”

MRSA is not what the medical community calls a “reportable” disease. While MRSA is spread by skin-to-skin contact, it is not especially contagious. Infections such as varicella (chickenpox) and measles, which are very contagious, require parental notification, according to Colonel Princiotta.

 “The military community is unique; we don’t have a serious threatbecause we do not have a large, older population with serious healthproblems that need hospitalization,” said Capt. George Kallstrom.

 Colonel Corr emphasizes that bacteria are not harmful until the right conditions are present. It may make your skin crawl to know that there are millions of bacteria on your body at any given time, bacteria are in the air we breathe, in the ground, on all surfaces we touch; but the right conditions have to be present for the bacteria to become harmful.

Try to imagine yourself as a normal teenager. During the day you’re fine. When night falls, your body starts growing huge amounts of hair and you start howling at the moon.  The hair doesn’t grow until nightfalls. That’s similar to what happens to our bodies with MRSA. On rare occasions and with the right conditions, the bacteria go crazy and multiply.

Studies show that only about 20 percent of the population has the right skin type and genetics for MRSA infections. These patients may have problems with recurring skin and soft tissue infections.

“That is why it is so important not to overuse antibiotics for colds and other viruses when they are not indicated,” said Colonel Corr. Antibiotics not only kill bad bacteria, they kill good bacteria that can protect you from other illnesses like MRSA.

MRSA primarily spreads from person to person instead of from objects or surfaces to people. Colonels Corr and Princiotta agree that closing schools or other public places for long periods to clean classrooms, locker rooms, or equipment rooms seems extreme.
 
Even though a person practices good hygiene, some individuals are more at risk of having a serious or recurring MRSA infection. Individuals who have very oily skin, are significantly overweight, get overheated and sweaty, and wear tight clothing that does not allow the skin to breathe, are more prone to MRSA infections. 

Other risk factors include close skin-to-skin contact, cuts and abrasions, contaminated surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

 “Take special care to clean skin folds and other warm, moist areas where bacteria love to multiply, and always use a clean, dry towel; don’t share it with anyone, even family members,” said Colonel Corr.

Soldiers have the same risk factors. They can become infected through direct skin contact or through contact with contaminated surfaces and sharing of towels.
“Bacteria require several hours to re-grow after showering with soap and water. MRSA may infect people who take a daily shower, but is more likely to cause serious infections or recur in persons who ignore early sores or who are not as diligent with skin hygiene,” said  Colonel Corr.  

“There is no mystery as to how to prevent MRSA. Soap and water work. Wash your hands regularly,” said Colonel Corr.