HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinemethicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

I was tested negative for MRSA after treatment. Can I still be contagious?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had two boil-like things in my armpit that were drained and later diagnosed as MRSA. I began the protocol of showering with an antiseptic body wash and inserting Mupirocin into my nostrils every other week. Two months later I was tested via a nasal swab for MRSA and it came back negative. As a precaution, I had another test in this month and I received the following results: 1+ Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase positive: Cefazolin susceptibility inferred from Oxacillin result. I was told this was a bacterial strain, but not MRSA. I am seeking confirmation that whether it is a correct information. And I also want to know if I am contagious, if I could give this bacteria to someone else through person to person contact. This is most important to me. Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sadaf Mustafa is an Internal Medicine Specialist. She can diagnose and manage complex and multisystem disease. She can treat chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. She can provide preventive care and routine health assessments. She can help in the management of infections and autoimmune diseases. She helps in the interpretation of diagnostic tests and imaging reports. She can do medication management and adjustment for long-term therapies.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your second sample (attachment removed to protect patient identity) (positive) one indicates that you have MSSA (methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus). It is the methicillin resistance that defines the MRSA. Our nasal cavity can harbor both MSSA and MRSA. The MSSA is usually not a big challenge, as you can treat it with multiple antibiotics. Still, the MRSA could be an issue as the bug forms a resistance to conventional oral antibiotics. The MSSA can cause you an issue if you can get a URI (upper respiratory tract infection); otherwise, it is not something we worry about when it comes to transmission. It is the MRSA that could be an issue.

I hope I have answered your question.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Preetha. J
Published At October 16, 2020
Reviewed At August 31, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sadaf Mustafa is an Internal Medicine Specialist. She can diagnose and manage complex and multisystem disease. She can treat chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. She can provide preventive care and routine health assessments. She can help in the management of infections and autoimmune diseases. She helps in the interpretation of diagnostic tests and imaging reports. She can do medication management and adjustment for long-term therapies.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Preetha J. is a proficient Dental Surgeon with expertise in cosmetic dentistry, restorative procedures, root canal treatments, and oral surgery. She is known for her gentle approach, precision, and commitment to patient comfort. Dr. Preetha combines advanced dental techniques with personalized care to ensure optimal oral health and aesthetic results, helping patients achieve confident, healthy smiles. Currently, she contributes her expertise as a valuable member of the medical reviewer team at iCliniq.com. 

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sadaf Mustafa
Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Internal Medicine

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sadaf Mustafa is an Internal Medicine Specialist. She can diagnose and manage complex and multisystem disease. She can treat chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. She can provide preventive care and routine health assessments. She can help in the management of infections and autoimmune diseases. She helps in the interpretation of diagnostic tests and imaging reports. She can do medication management and adjustment for long-term therapies.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

Other than earwax, what can cause clogged ear?

How to get relief from fever, cough and blocked ears?

Kindly tell me whether my throat swab shows MRSA infection.

Is there any specific treatment available for MRSA?

Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

upper respiratory tract infectionmethicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (mrsa)

Ask your health query to a doctor online

General Medicine

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.