VANCOMYCIN-INTERMEDIATE/RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS INFECTIONS

Vancomycin-Intermediate/Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus infections (VISA/VRSA) are strains of Staphylococcus aureus that have evolved resistance to the drug vancomycin. Staphylococcus aureus, sometimes known as staph, is a bacterium that lives on the skin and in the nose of approximately 30 percent of the population and, for the most part, does not cause harm.

Staph infections are rare, despite being one of the most prevalent causes of skin illness in the United States. These skin infections might resemble pimples, boils, or other skin disorders, and the majority of them are treatable. Staph bacteria may cause severe illnesses and even death in rare cases.

SYMPTOMS

Many individuals have staph bacteria on their skin or in their body and are unaware of it. This is known as being “colonized.” A person may be colonized for a prolonged time before becoming unwell, or they may never become ill at all. The possible indications of Vancomycin-Intermediate/Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infections are as follows:

  • Skin infections
  • Infections of the heart valves, bones, or blood
  • Pneumonia
  • Abscesses

DIAGNOSIS

If Vancomycin-Intermediate/Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus infections (VISA/VRSA) are suspected, samples from the infected area (for example, the skin, blood, or wound) will be collected and submitted to a laboratory for testing. More laboratory testing will be performed if staph is identified to evaluate which medications will be helpful in treating the illness. The quantity of vancomycin necessary to kill the staph germs will determine whether the patient has VISA or VRSA.

TREATMENT

Individuals who have been colonized do not usually need therapy. The individual’s physician will guide treatment for Vancomycin-Intermediate/Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus infections (VISA/VRSA) in conjunction with an Infectious Diseases Specialist. Treatment options may be limited and expensive.

To restrict the transmission of germs, all care actions on positive VISA/VRSA patients in the community must follow routine practices.

The following are important points:

  • Hand hygiene using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand massage before and after each client encounter.
  • Reusable client care equipment and good environmental cleansing
  • If gloves are worn, they must be replaced between operations and clients, and hand hygiene must be done.

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