Empowering your patients in the fight against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
OBJECTIVE
To provide patient teaching points for primary care management and control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) through application of the latest research regarding transmission of this bacteria.


METHODS
Case reports, scientific literature, and the recommendations of expert professional groups.


CONCLUSIONS
MRSA is a well studied yet continually evolving superbug. There is a paucity of literature regarding detailed home management and containment of MRSA. This review acknowledges the critical importance of patient education regarding MRSA infections and empowers patients with knowledge that can positively impact treatment outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Awareness of transmission modes and recognition of sources for relapse of infectious states can curb the spread of MRSA in the community.
Tisinger
Christine K
CK
Emergency Department, Doctor's Hospital of Sarasota, Sarasota, Florida, USA. ctisinge@health.usf.edu
D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D050456:Fomites; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D007846:Laundering; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus