MRSA Infection

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of bacteria that’s developed defense mechanisms (resistance) to antibiotics. MRSA infections are hard to treat because very few antibiotics are effective against them. MRSA most often causes skin infections but it can also cause serious infections in your lungs, heart and bloodstream.

MRSA used to spread mostly in healthcare settings — among people in hospitals or long-term care facilities (healthcare-acquired MRSA or HA-MRSA). But since the 1980s, cases of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA), have been going up. CA-MRSA affects healthy people who haven’t been in a healthcare facility.

Types of MRSA infection

Types of MRSA infections include:

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).
Pneumonia.
Bone and joint infections (osteomyelitis).
Bacteremia (bacteria in your blood).
Endocarditis (inflammation in your heart).

What’s the difference between a staph infection and MRSA?

Staph infections are any infections caused by the group of bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a specific type of staph infection that’s resistant to antibiotics. Staph infections, in general, are much more common and treatable than MRSA.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

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Diagnosis & treatment

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