MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a bacteria which is resistant to some antibiotics but not all drugs.
Health experts say MRSA is a version of an everyday bacteria that causes pimples, boils, sinus infection and, in rare cases, meningitis and blood infections. MRSA is resistant to Methicillin.
Dr. Arjun Srinivasan, an epidemiologist at CDC, says while it is understandable that people are concerned, it must be emphasized that MRSA is a common cause of skin infection and almost all of these infections are readily treated by commonly available antibiotics and by draining the lesions. Dr. Srinivasan says that hand hygiene is by far the best means to prevent the spread of all diseases.
Experts say the key to dealing with MRSA is early diagnosis and then the completion of a full course of antibiotic treatment. The public needs to watch for wounds that do not heal and are not helped with normal antibiotic treatment.
In dentistry, two recent studies explore the possibility of aerosols and spatter generated during dental treatment spreading MRSA.
OSAP has developed a MRSA page on its Web site at OSAP (go to Resources – click on fly out menu, then "MRSA").
The direct link is: MRSA
This site will be constantly updated to ensure dental professionals have the information and resources necessary to ensure the safety of their patients and themselves against MRSA.
The OSAP Web site also has a multitude of other resources, training aids, educational programs and a "YouTube"-type of compliance contest…all designed to help increase the safety of dental settings throughout the world.
