What is M.R.S.A?
M.R.S.A. stands for Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus. This is a sub-type of the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus that has developed resistance to certain antibiotics. Resistance is caused by a gene that permits the organism to grow in the presence of Methicillin and other common antibiotics like oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. MRSA was primarily associated with hospitalized patients with chronic illness, but it is now becoming increasing common in the community, gym mats, and gym gear (CA-MRSA.)

Who is at risk for CA-MRSA?
Athletes (especially MMA fighters, wrestlers and boxers)
Military personnel
Men who have sex with men
Prison inmates and guards
Certain ethnic groups (Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Alaskan Natives)

What increases my risk?
Close skin to skin contact, (especially with a person who has a draining lesion or is a carrier of MRSA)
Openings in skin, such as cuts or abrasions
A higher Body Mass Index (BMI)
Contaminated surfaces (i.e. gym mats and exercise equipment)
Cosmetic body shaving
Illicit drug use
Tattoo recipients
Previous antibiotic use

How do I know who is a carrier?
An individual would need to be tested by his/her physician. Often, the nose (anterior nares) is colonized with MRSA. A nasal swab culture would confirm this.

How is CA-MRSA diagnosed?
A physician will examine the lesion/wound. Certain clinical characteristics are typical for CA-MRSA. However, the most accurate diagnosis will be from a wound culture confirming Staph Aureus and resistance to Methicillin.

What are the signs and symptoms of CA-MRSA?
Skin and soft tissue infections like:
Boils
Abscesses
Folliculitis
Impetigo
Furuncles
Carbuncles
Cellulitis

The involved site is usually red and painful and may have pus or other drainage. (See photo.)
MRSA infections can lead to more serious conditions if not appropriately treated like blood stream infections (sepsis), pneumonia or bone infections.

What should I do if I think that I have CA-MRSA?
See your healthcare provider immediately

How do I treat CA-MRSA?
Antibiotics like:
-Vancomycin
-Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
-Linezolid (Zyvox)
-Clindamycin
-Fluoroquinolones (Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox)

Incision and drainage: The wound needs to be lanced open to promote drainage and prevent further abscess formation.

How do I prevent infection with CA-MRSA?
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer.Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.
Avoid sharing personal items like training gear, clothing or equipment.
Ensure that surfaces on which you train have been adequately cleaned with an appropriate agent that kills MRSA.

If you have an infection you must consult a healthcare provider. This page is for information only. Mat Attack is only for use on gym equipment and should never be applied to skin to treat an infection.