MRSA

Methicillin-resistant

Staphylococcus aureus

We are back from the doctor. It was confirmed that my foot infection was, indeed, MRSA.

MRSA is by definition a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is responsible for difficult-to-treat infections in humans. MRSA is resistant to a large group of antibiotics called the beta-lactams, which include the penicillins and the cephalosporins. Serious staph infections may lead to blood poisoning (sepsis), cellulitis, infection of the heart valves, pneumonia, and toxic shock syndrome.
Organ failure and death may result from untreated MRSA infections.

This resistant strain is the reason that I received by IVs the powerful antibiotic, vancomycin. I am following up the IV infusion by taking orally three weeks of doxycycline. As mentioned yesterday, it is extremely important to address the infection early and especially in those of us with compromised immune systems.

MRSA/Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus was discovered in 1961 in the United Kingdom. It made its first major appearance in the United States in 1981 becoming prevalent among intravenous drug users. MRSA is often referred to in the press as a "superbug."

In the past decade or so the number of MRSA infections in the United States has increased significantly. I guess I added to the statistics in February. Thankfully, I am healing and, hopefully, will be MRSA free in a month.