Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

What is it?  Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an infection caused by Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria which is generally harmless. However, if it multiplies uncontrollably, MRSA infection occurs. MRSA is no more virulent than other strains of Staphylococcus aureus, although its antibiotic resistance makes it...

Management of VRE

Where a resident is colonised or infected with VRE and there are risk factors for transmission, or where basic personal hygiene practices may be compromised by cognitive or functional impairment, there is a risk that they could contaminate their environment.    VRE is spread in a similar way to other...

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)

What is it? Enterococci are germs that live in most individuals' gastrointestinal tract (bowels) and generally do not cause harm. VRE are strains of enterococci that are resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. If a person has an infection caused by VRE, e.g., a urinary tract infection, it can be more...

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile, C. diff)

What is it? Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a bacteria that causes an infection of the large intestine leading to diarrhoea and colitis (an inflammation of the colon). Illness from C. diff is often associated with antibiotic use. Most commonly, C. diff affects older people in hospitals and long-term aged...

Understanding the Risks of MROs

What is an MRO? Multi-drug resistant organisms (MRO/MDRO)s are common bacteria that have developed resistance to multiple types of antibiotics.  MROs can cause illness and avoidable deaths in residents. Reservoirs for MRO/MDROs include residents, occasionally healthcare workers who are colonised or infected, and contaminated objects or surfaces in the environment....

Treatment of MRSA

If an MRSA infection has been identified, refer symptoms to the registered nurse   Nursing care Assess for further signs of infection If MRSA is in a wound, ensure the wound is kept clean and dressed Promote sunlight exposure When possible, residents with MRSA will have a single room or...