So you have a MRSA foot infection.....is it the end of your leg as you know it?

Today I want to debunk some common misperceptions about MRSA infections.  Many of you have probably been exposed to methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at one point in your lives, and as diabetics your skin wounds are ripe for the takeover by this infamous microscopic organism.  However, the media portrayal of this bacteria is a bit over the top, and has probably caused much fear and sleepless nights for those diagnosed with MRSA in a wound.

For the record, MRSA is not a 'flesh eating' bacteria anymore than other strains of staph bacteria.  It is not immediately deadly, and does not cause instant gangrene or quickly lead to an amputation.  It is simply a variant of staphylococcus aureus that happens to be resistant to a group of antibiotics, which in turn suggests a broader range of resistance to the more traditional treatment given for the usual staph infections.  Because of this, alternate medications need to be employed to kill this bug.  When it is acquired in the hospital or nursing home, yes, it is generally resistant to most all oral antibiotics, and intravenous (IV) antibiotics need to be used.  However, when acquired in the community there are still usually multiple oral antibiotics that can be used to kill the bacteria.

MRSA infections in diabetic foot wounds do require prompt treatment, as do any infection.  Because diabetic infections tend to involve multiple organisms, the overall effect of MRSA on the wound's health is probably no different than the other bacteria involved, but it tends to take center stage because of the overall concern for this bacteria held by the general public, and even in those in the medical community who do not treat infections daily.  Make no mistake, this bacteria still cannot be underestimated and must be respected when it comes to treatment decisions.  However, the mass hysteria concerning it's presence is unwarranted, and probably counter productive.  Whereas ten to fifteen years ago it was not overly common to see this bacteria, now it seems to show up all the time.  We have some really good weapons to fight it, and even when it mutates again and develops more resistance, we will likely have new antibiotics then to meet the challenge.

Until next time,
Scott R. Kilberg DPM

www.inpodiatrygroup.com - foot surgeon, podiatrist in Indianapolis
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A foot doctor in Indianapolis Noblesville Fishers Carmel Westfield and Fortville Indiana.