Mercer Infection
The Facts About Mercer Infection
Many have heard horror stories about someone who had a Mercer infection (correctly called MRSA infection). This is an extremely dangerous infection that can be fatal in many cases. This article contains some facts about the Mercer infection.
Mercer is a type of bacterial staph infection that does not respond to treatment with most antibiotics. This fact makes it extremely difficult to treat and control one the infection has taken hold. It is most commonly contracted by people who are in the hospital or in another type of community health setting, such as a nursing home or rehabilitation center. People with a compromised immune system are more vulnerable to the infection.
A Mercer infection typically starts with small red bumps on the skin. Some patients think it is a pimple or, perhaps, an insect bite. Soon, those bumps turn into painful sores that often are in need of draining. In many cases, the Mercer infection remains on the skin, but when it moves to other parts of the body, such as the blood, bones and major organs, very serious complications can arise.
It is important to note that, as mentioned above, the Mercer infection occurs most frequently in hospital or similar settings. However, in the last several years, there have been a number of cases that have taken place outside of such a setting causing a new reason for concern.
Here are some things that can increase the risk of contracting a Mercer infection.
Age
The infection is more likely to affect the very young and the very old.
Immune System
As mentioned earlier, people with a compromised immune system are at a higher risk for this type of infection.
Sports
Because the infection can be spread through cuts, it has, in the past, taken hold of several members of the same sports team. To reduce your risk, be sure to bandage all cuts right away. Also, do not share any equipment with teammates. This includes uniforms, protective gear or towels.
Crowded Living
Those who live in crowded conditions such as some military barracks, jails or nursing homes have a higher chance of contracting this type of infection.
Health Workers
For obvious reasons, people who work in the health care sector have a higher than average chance of being effected by a Mercer infection.
If you have even the slightest notion that you might have a Mercer infection, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. He will be able to diagnose the infection by testing a tissue sample. If it is a Mercer infection, treatment can begin right away.
In some cases, the patient will be given one of the few drugs to which a Mercer infection does still respond. Other times, drugs are not needed. For example, if the infection has remained only on the skin, the doctor may be able to drain the infection at the site rather than treating with drugs.
Experts say that as time goes on, this infection will become resistant to more and more drugs. Most blame this on the excessive use of antibiotics as well as the fact that those drugs are present in an abundance of our food and water sources, thanks to the farming industries use of antibiotics in livestock.
The Mercer infection, though serious, is usually treatable, especially if caught early. If you suspect that you have such an infection, see your doctor right away.