Dr. Sadaf Mustafa
Internal Medicine
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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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.
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.
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Internal Medicine
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