MRSA is a staph infection that is resistant to most antibiotics and it is well known, but what about VRSA. One of the antibiotics that are used for staph infections is vancomycin. It is rare, but there have been cases of VRSA, which is Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. This infection and MRSA are very similar. Treating this kind of infection can be challenging, but it can be done. There are few cases because of the responsible use of vancomycin. It is possible that the cases could increase in the future if this antibiotic is over used and not taken as prescribed.
MRSA and VRSA Similarities
If you know the symptoms, risk factors, and how to prevent a staph infection, you will be able to recognize the symptoms, risk factors, and how to prevent VRSA Infection. A lab test will be needed to diagnose it. The best recommendation there is regarding this staph infection is to avoid getting it. Simple hand washing with soap and water will help prevent acquiring bacterial infections. Covering wounds and other breaks in the skin is important to keep the bacteria from entering the body. People with good hygiene have a lower risk of getting a staph infection.
One of the differences between the two infections is that there are fewer effective antibiotics available to treat VRSA.
The few cases of staph infections that are resistant to vancomycin have the following in common:
- Chronic health issue like diabetes or kidney disease
- MRSA infection that was treated with vancomycin
- Catheters or IV lines
- Treated with antibiotics for previous infections
People who are at risk of a VRSA infection and are being treated with vancomycin for a bacterial infection, will need to take as directed for as long as it is prescribed to avoid the bacteria from mutating into a resistant form. The best way to reduce the risk of this staph infection is to read preventing staph infections.
Treating Staph Infections that are Resistant to Vancomycin
MRSA is scary enough, but VRSA is even scarier. With so few cases, the medical community is still learning about the ways to treat it. Early treatment is important to avoid serious complications. Treatment for VRSA includes the following:
- Remove cause of infection (catheter, IV, implants, etc.)
- Drain infection and remove damaged tissue
A combination of antibiotics might be needed to fight this type of infection. Some antibiotics have more side affects than others. Lipoglycopeptide is an effective class of antibiotic. Other antibiotics in this class include oritavancin, telavancin and dalbavancin. When these antibiotics are used to treat VRSA (Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus – wikipedia.org) is important to take exactly as directed to avoid a worse infection for developing.
VRSA is an uncommon and rare type of infection that will require professional medical treatment and monitoring to avoid it developing into a life threatening infection.