Colonization vs Infection

  Colonization vs Infection Colonization is the presence, growth, and multiplication of the organism without observable clinical symptoms or immune reaction.  1. MRSA – Colonization may occur in: the nares; axillae; chronic wounds or decubitus ulcer surface; perineum; around gastrostomy and tracheostomy sites; in the sputum or urine; and on healthy skin. One of the […]

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)

 Vancomycin-resistant enterococci were initially reported in 1986 in Europe. In the last two decades enterococci have become recognized as a leading cause of healthcare associated bacteremia, surgical wound infection, and urinary tract infection. According to the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System (NNIS), prior to 1990 the occurrence of VRE infections in ICU’s in the U.S. […]

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

 Methicillin-resistant S. aureus is a variant of S. aureus which is considered to be resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics (including penicillins, cephalosporins, and cephamicins). It may also be resistant to one or more other classes of antibiotics. By definition, MRSA must be resistant to one of the following semi-synthetic penicillins: methicillin, oxacillin, or nafcillin. Treatment […]