Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA, is a type of Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria that has developed resistance to several antibiotics frequently used to treat ordinary staph infections. These bacteria are often found on the skin or inside the nose of healthy individuals without causing any health issues, a state referred to as colonization.
MRSA’s Presence in the Throat
MRSA can be present in the throat, either as a colonization or as an active infection. Colonization occurs when the bacteria are present in the throat without causing any symptoms or illness, simply residing there. In contrast, an active infection means the bacteria are multiplying and causing symptoms, leading to an illness. While colonization of the nose and skin is more commonly reported, the throat can also serve as a site for MRSA presence.
The bacteria can enter the throat through various routes, including direct contact with contaminated surfaces or individuals carrying MRSA. It can also migrate from other colonized areas of the body, such as the nasal passages, which are a frequent site for staph colonization. Individuals in healthcare environments, such as hospital patients or healthcare workers, or those in close contact with known MRSA carriers, may have an increased likelihood of throat colonization due to increased exposure.
Even without causing an active infection, throat colonization can be relevant because colonized individuals can potentially spread the bacteria to others.
Identifying Throat MRSA
Identifying a potential MRSA infection in the throat can be challenging because its symptoms often resemble those of other common throat infections. Individuals might experience a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or a fever. Swollen tonsils and the presence of pus spots on the tonsils or back of the throat are also possible indicators.
Due to the non-specific nature of these symptoms, self-diagnosis is not recommended. Seeking medical attention for persistent or severe throat symptoms is important for accurate diagnosis. A healthcare provider will typically perform a throat swab, which involves gently rubbing a sterile cotton swab over the affected area of the throat. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for further analysis.
In the laboratory, the sample undergoes a process called culture and sensitivity testing. The culture identifies the specific type of bacteria present, confirming if Staphylococcus aureus is the culprit. If staph is identified, sensitivity testing is performed to determine which antibiotics are effective against it and, importantly, which ones it is resistant to, thereby confirming if it is MRSA.
Treating Throat MRSA
Treating a confirmed throat MRSA infection typically involves using specific antibiotics that are known to be effective against resistant strains. The choice of antibiotic is guided by the sensitivity test results obtained from the laboratory, which indicate which medications will successfully inhibit the bacteria’s growth. The duration and type of antibiotic treatment will vary depending on the infection’s severity and the patient’s overall health status.
It is important for patients to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by their healthcare provider, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Stopping treatment prematurely can lead to a recurrence of the infection or contribute to further antibiotic resistance.
If MRSA is detected in the throat but is only present as colonization without an active infection, antibiotics might not always be prescribed. Treatment for colonization is usually considered only in specific circumstances, such as when there are particular risk factors for transmitting the bacteria to others or developing a future infection. In these cases, decolonization strategies might be discussed, though they are less common for throat colonization compared to nasal colonization.