Chronic MRSA – Why do I keep getting reinfected?
- Sometimes the drugs clear your skin infection but another one appears within weeks. The bacteria may have lingered on quietly in the nose, genital area or armpits and infected a new cut or skin weakness.
- It is also highly possible that people become reinfected in the community – this could be via other carriers who have no sign of infection. These sources include pets, children in day care, friends and sexual partners. People with chronic MRSA infections may want to look carefully at possible reinfection sources.
- It is also possible that drug treatment may kill one strain of MRSA but not another strain that may be lurking on your skin.
- People with poor health who have to visit health care facilities regularly are also prone to reinfection.
- There is also a small possibility that those with previous bloodstream infections may have dormant infection potential. Some studies suggest that certain drugs – Linezolid – kill MRSA outright but that MRSA will some times ‘hibernate’ when faced with Vancomycin.
- People with previous infections and current good health are thought to be less vulnerable to further extreme infections.
What is MRSA?
Is MRSA different from MERSA?
Is MRSA just a hospital infection?
Is there an MRSA incubation period?
MRSA Treatment – A Simple Guide
Someone I know has MRSA – Should I be worried?
Will sex mean my partner gets it?
Will I die because of MRSA?
Why do I keep getting reinfected?
Looking for more MRSA information? Go to our monster MRSA Infection site
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
It is possible to have the animals tested and they are often a silent source of reinfection. What is less clear is how they are to be decolonized if indeed they are the source
Dave
mrsainfection.net
I have chronic recurring MRSA and I was wondering…what do you do if you have pets in these situations? Is there some treatment for the animals or a test maybe to see if they are the problem?
I have done everything I am supposed to do to eliminate the MRSA to no avail. I am at my wits end.
They can last for some while. The cat could be an issue. As it is many suggest that because surface elimination is not always easy that the ‘last mile’ – in this case, hand hygiene is key to stopping nasal infection of family members. It’s also worth cleaning high touch areas such as door handles, toilet handles and light switches
Dave
mrsainfection.net
I work in a home health setting and have a patient’s family member with weeping wounds who was sent home (from the hospital) unable to care for his wounds and I would assume placed the family at risk as he lives with his 93 yo aunt. We successfully had him readmitted after 3 days home. My question is how long will MRSA last on surfaces. I gave them disinfectants to clean with however the chair he sits in is open weave fabric; they have a carpet and a cat that sits in his lap most of the day. His wounds are on his feet, legs and arm.
It is not so likely from my reading that you will be an internal carrier and this is less relevant on a day to day basis than being colonised on external sites such as the nose, armpits and groin. Colonization is a slippery thing at the best of times as the pool of people grows who carry community MRSA. But some only have it transiently. I’m sure you get the picture. You can have a nasal swab and other tests to clarify whether you are an MRSA in the external sites. You can have a nasal cream treatment and special baths if you turn up positive that can bring you back to an MRSA negative status. You might like to clarify with your medical provider what they can do in this respect.
Dave Roberts
MRSA Infection
I have a question about carrying MRSA. I had an infection almost two years ago (Feb 2009); the best etiological hypothesis is that it was on my skin and when I got a new tattoo on my back it used that as an opportunity to get in my system. It manifested as 3 abscesses on my back (near the tattoo) and one less prominent one on my right underarm. I had a low-grade fever when I finally went to the doctor but it went away shortly after they opened and drained the abscesses. The wounds were cleaned and packed and I was put on a 14-day course of Bactrim. I had no recurrence at that time or since then and didn’t really miss a beat. I was in university at the time and didn’t need any hospitalization or to take off any time.
So, fast forward about two years and I am trying to get into an Air Force Reserve unit (I am prior service active duty). They won’t let me up to MEPs until the SG approves my records because they say I am now a carrier (mind you I don’t have to go to basic training where there are close quarters). I have given them the VA hospital records from my treatments.
But my question is that since I had MRSA two years ago with no recurrence does that mean that I am a (internal) carrier? I understand that people with multiple cases probably have it hiding out in their body, but what is your opinion on how a doctor would view my case? Like I said, no recurrence and I am quite physically active.
Thank you
Have they sought to decolonise your nose as this is often a source of reinfection? There is also a possibility that a family member may be a ‘silent carrier’. Domestic pets can also be silent carriers. Do you have a job that might put you around potential carriers – working in daycare for instance? Have they suggested Hibiclens for your own personal washing. MRSA can hide out in places other than the nose.
Hope some of this is helpful
Dave
mrsainfection.net
I am 38 yrs old and have tested positive for MRSA six times in the last 12 months. I have been getting what my dr. has called boils that became infected. I have never been prone to this prior to the first occurence. I am given antibiotic medication I take for 10 days each time but it seems to come back. My 1st occurence and this, my 6th, I went to the dr. each day for four days and have been given 2 shots each day. I have scoured my home with bleach and washed everything each time. My dr. says to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m at my wits end. Is there anything else I can do?
Is there a social activity that she undertakes in that seasonal period that might be putting her in the company of MRSA carriers? Is there a factor that might be impacting her skin in that period that might make her more vulnerable to skin infections?
MRSA Questions
Dave Roberts
There may be a reinfection source or he may have a skin weakness perhaps. Reinfection sources may include a family member who is a ‘silent carrier’ – carrying the bacteria but having no infection. Family pets can also be silent carriers. He may be carrying it in his nose and reinfecting himself. You will need to ask your doctor to check his nasal carriage and perhaps family members
Dave Roberts
MRSA Questions
my daughter has been getting mrsa for about 8 years off and on. mostly in the late summer or spring. we have taken her to the dr and tryed pills and creams. she had one about 10 days ago and after finishing her pills and now another has popped up on her arm. the last one was on her cheek. any help?
dear sir
my son has a chronic MRSA infection since more than 1 year and we treated him with doxocyllin first and then with clindomycin continuosly for 6 mounths 150mg daily but as soon he stops the medication he get the infection again so plz what to do
regardes dr bassam hamze