University Park, Pa. -- Recent news stories have increased the focus on a common bacterial infection that can be easily prevented with good hygiene and routine cleaning.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA (pronounced Mer-sah) occurs most frequently among people in health-care facilities and who have weakened immune systems, but can be seen in the general population as well. This type of infection has been around for a number of years, and experience has shown that its spread can be prevented by employing simple measures. All forms of bacteria, including MRSA, are most commonly spread by skin-to-skin contact, but poor personal hygiene and inadequate disinfection of surface items can contribute to its spread.

"While the bacteria can be resistant to some antibiotics, common disinfectants and environmental cleaners will kill it, so prevention definitely is the key," said Margaret Spear, director of University Health Services at Penn State. "It's also relatively simple to avoid. Wash your hands often, with soap and water, or an alcohol-based gel. Don't share personal items with anyone. Wash your linens and clothing in detergent and hot water and place them in a 'hot' clothes dryer."

Other preventive measures outlined by Spear include:
-- Wipe down community exercise equipment before and after use.
-- Cover legs and arms while exercising (if possible) to protect skin from abrasions. If you do injure your skin, wash immediately with soap and warm water, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. If a wound does show signs of possible infection (redness, swelling,oozing), immediately seek medical attention.
-- Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.
-- Do not share towels, washcloths, clothing, soap, razors or clippers with others.
-- Use antibiotics appropriately, taking only when prescribed and taking the entire course of treatment.

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to as "staph," is commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection, and is among the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these are minor, such as pimples and boils, and can be treated without antibiotics. However, in some instances, staph can cause serious infections, and some staph bacteria, including MRSA, are resistant to certain classes of antibiotics.

The most virulent cases of MRSA originate from health-care-related strains of the bacteria, and typically are contracted by those in hospitals and health-care facilities. These health-care-associated staph infections are quite different from the MRSA infections that most often occur in the community setting.

Community-acquired MRSA infections (CA-MRSA) usually involve infections of the skin or soft tissue, such as pimples, boils and abscesses, and occur in otherwise healthy people. CA-MRSA is usually easy to treat.

"Close skin-to-skin contact, cuts, abrasions and poor hygiene have been linked to the spread of this more common form of MRSA," Spear said. "Again, frequent handwashing and good hygiene are among the best preventative measures to avoid infection.

Spear said that while MRSA is getting a lot of attention recently, the preventive measures outlined above also decrease a person’s chances of contracting other illnesses including flu and the common cold.

Anyone who suspects he or she might have an infection should seek medical attention immediately. Medical facilities will culture the bacteria to determine the type of infection present, and provide appropriate, effective treament.

For more information about MRSA, visit http://www.psu.edu/ur/2007/MRSA%20vs%20CA-MRSA.html online.