The Staphy Virus and Preventing It

The staphylococcus bacteria is the bacteria that causes the MRSA 'hospital bug'. The virus itself is able to cause many unpleasant symptoms and effects. It is also a highly contagious disease and this combined with the vulnerable immune systems of most of the patients means that it can often spread around hospitals and exacerbate already serious conditions. It is a high priority for hospital staff to prevent the spread of staphylococcus by keeping the wards as clean as possible and by regularly disinfecting and replacing medical supplies. Here we will look in more detail at staphylococcus and its effects and why it is so important to try and prevent it spreading.

Staphylococcus is a word that comes from the Greek for a 'bunch of grapes' and the reason for this is that it appears as such when viewed under a microscope and is made up of many round 'cocci' that cluster together. There are at least 40 different species of the staphy virus and of these there are many more subspecies. Some of these are harmless and will normally reside on the skin of humans with no ill effects. The strand that causes MRSA is called 'Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus' and this can cause many infections that do not respond to Methicillin and other popular medications.

The MRSA will normally colonise at the nostrils though they also often are found at the respiratory tract, in open wounds, catheters and the urinary tracts. It is possible for healthy individuals to carry MRSA with no symptoms for years, but upon entering an open wound of a patient with a low immune system this can develop into the virus and infect the tissue at the site. Often it will first make itself known in the form of red pimples or boiled along with fever and rashes. These rashes can then become deeper and painful and seep puss. Normally (75% of the time) the infection will remain in the skin and surrounding tissue and can be treated through use of the correct medical supplies and treatments. However some strains can spread into the vital organs where they may result in toxic shock syndrome, infertility, pneumonia, heart disease and other serious complications.

There are many ways that Hospitals are trying to reduce the prevalence of these viruses in their premises. One practice is to screen patients on their admission using medical supplies and to then segregate and treat those infected with MRSA. As hospital staff themselves can also carry the bacteria on their skin though it is also important for them to regularly wash their hands and to use disinfectant wipes. Similarly it is important for them to use things such as gloves in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

Also crucial is the fact that the staphy bacteria is able to survive on surfaces and on fabrics and this could include clothing worn by patients or by staff as well as privacy curtains etc. As such it is important not only for all of these items to be regularly sanitised, but also for the medical supplies and others to be regularly replaced.

The staphy virus and its various permutations is a serious problem for hospitals and their patients. By regularly cleaning medical supplies and replacing old medical supplies it is possible to slow its spread. Follow the links for more.