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There are many antibiotic resisting strains of bacteria that can colonize or
infect nursing home residents, but there are three that are most common.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus or MRSA.
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci or VRE and
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producing E.coli or ESBL E.coli.
Staphylococcus aureus or Staph is a very common germ that about 1 out of every
3 people has on their skin or in their nose, but only 2% of those carry MRSA.
This germ does not cause any problems for most people who have it on their skin.
But sometimes it can cause serious infections, such as skin or
wound infections, pneumonia, or infections in the blood.
Antibiotics are given to kill staph germs when they cause infections.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus,
or MRSA, is a type of staph that is resistant to some of the antibiotics
that are often used to treat staph infections, making it tougher to treat.
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci, VRE are a type of bacteria called Enterococci that
have developed resistance to the many antibiotics especially Vancomycin.
Enterococcus bacteria live in our intestines,
usually without causing problems.
Enterococcus bacteria become a problem when they cause infection.
These infections can occur anywhere in the body.
Some common sites include the gal bladder, the urinary tract, and wounds.
For some people, especially those who are weak or
ill, these infections can become serious.
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E.coli are a very common bacteria that normally live harmlessly in the gut and
are one of the most common bacteria causing infections in humans,
particularly urinary tract infections, or UTIs.
These infections can sometimes progress to cause more serious infections
such as kidney infections, or spread to the blood which can be life threatening.
ESBL producing strains are bacteria that produce an enzyme called
extended-spectrum beta lactamase, which makes them more resistant to many
commonly used antibiotics, and makes the infections harder to treat.
In many instances, only a very limited group of antibiotics remain
effective against ESBL producing E.coli.
Bacteria that are resistant to the effects of certain antibiotics
are more difficult to treat.
The bad news is that bacteria are becoming more resistant, not less.
So a microbe that is resistant to many drugs becomes difficult or
even impossible to treat.
Because antibiotic-resistant bacteria are more difficult to treat,
residents that become infected by one or
more bad bugs often do worse and are sicker for longer periods of time.
This is due in part to delays in detection and correct treatment, and the presence
of multiple medical conditions that are made worse by the infection.
Because nursing home residents live in close proximity to other persons, and
interact often,
antibiotic resistant bacteria can spread quickly among residents.
The quick spread may also be attributable to frequent contact with
potentially contaminated surfaces and persons.
Nursing home residents are frequently colonized with one or
more antibiotic resistant bacteria.
A majority of these are already colonized or infected when they are admitted.
This is a concern because the more residents colonized or
infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria,
the more likely transmission between residents will occur.
>> Previously on gown and gloves, the MRSA outbreak continues to spread.
And rumors of improper standard precautions are spreading like wildfire.
Is it possible that someone isn't washing their hands
could the spread of MRSA have been stopped in it's tracks?
And how is Mrs. Houston going to like her new room in the MRSA contaminated wing?
Find out on Gowns and Gloves.
[MUSIC]
>> I'm ready, oh am I ready.
But you know what, I still can't believe we got Doctor Kennedy to admit me
a here after my hip surgery.
But you know what, we won't have long before they discharge me, so
we better act very quickly.
>> Mm.
It's fortunate that we're here.
I've arranged with the director of nurses to have Priscilla be our nurse for
the day, so we can get some one-on-one time with her.
>> You're kidding.
You gotta be- >> Good for,
you're gonna be great darling.
>> [SOUND] Hi, sorry to interrupt.
Mr. Houston, may I speak with you for a moment in the hallway?
>> Yes, what is it?
>> I need to tell you something important about your wife.
Remember a few days ago when I took that swab of her nose.
>> Yes.
>> Well, we were looking for bacteria called MRSA.
It turns out she has it.
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>> Really?
>> Actually, you need to clarify here.
Mrs. Houston is colonized, not infected.
She has the bacteria on her body, but isn't showing symptoms of infection.
Residents who are colonized and have wounds are more likely to become infected.
Think of it like this, let's try this very simple example.
Think of a swimming pool as you, your body.
And the folks sitting on the deck of the pool,
well they're the germs just relaxing in the sun.
Well, that's colonization.
The MRSA bacteria is alive and
well and perfectly happy just sitting on the sidelines,
like in your nose, your armpits, your groin, on the outside of your body.
Well, as time passes, the pool starts to look pretty inviting.
A few folk jump in, and before you know it,
there's a crazy party going on in the pool.
Well, that's like infection.
The MRSA bacteria has invaded your sterile tissue,
which is the pool, and is now begun to thrive and multiply,
causing symptoms of MRSA infection, which makes you sick.
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>> That's really interesting.
Let's set up and go again.
Ready? >> [COUGH]
>> Come on.
>> [COUGH] >> And action.
>> We were looking for
a bacterium called MRSA when we took a swab of your wife's nose.
It did show that she's colonized with MRSA.
>> Colonized?
>> Yes, the bacterium is in her nose, which likely indicates to us that it's on
her skin and in other parts of her body, as well.
>> Sounds serious.
How did she get it?
>> Well- >> Cut.
>> Really?
>> Demetri.
You're scared in the scene.
I wanna see it in your face.
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>> So remember, remember, concerned, here.
And [SOUND].
>> It sounds so serious.
What do we do to protect Elaine?
>> I'm glad you asked.
As a precautionary measure to our other residence, we're going to be moving Mrs.
Houston down the hall to a private room,
to reduce the risk of spreading the MRSA to other residence.
We will be moving her shortly, and then I'll be back to tell you what's going on,
and what you can do to help.
[MUSIC]
Evelyn CookAssociate Director
