Staphylococcus aureus (the bacterium related to MRSA) most commonly colonizes in the anterior nares (nostrils), although the respiratory tract, open wounds, intravenous catheters, and urinary tract are also potential sites for infection. It can be carried on the skin of healthy people, but as soon as it enters the body through a wound or orifice, it becomes life-threatening. Both humans and animals can contract the infection, and it can transmitted between species. It's commonly contracted in public places such as schools, hospitals, prisons, nurseries, and athletic facilities. MRSA infection usually leads to abscesses and sores, among other skin inflammations. Healthy individuals may carry MRSA asymptomatically (meaning they have no symptoms) for periods ranging from weeks to years.
Patients with compromised immune systems are at significantly greater risk of a secondary infection. According to Betsy McCaughey (founder of the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths), MRSA can be detected in asymptomatic patients by a blood test. Screening patients admitted to hospitals has been found to be effective in minimizing the spread of MRSA , combined with extra sanitary measures. Despite these precautions, MRSA is responsible for more than 94,000 serious infections and nearly 19,000 deaths per year in the United States.
