Define the three words in MRSA: methicillin, resistant, and Staphylococcus aureus.

In my research, I found that methicillin is an antibiotic. It was once used to treat infections. Resistant means that the antibiotic no longer affects the infection. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium normally found on human skin and mucous membranes. However, the bacterium can cause serious infections if it enters the body.

Signs of MRSA include skin that is swollen, red, and painful. Sometimes, a person has a pimple or small boil that contains pus (which is infectious).

The six links in the chain of transmission for MRSA are:

a. infectious agent: Staphylococcus aureus

b. reservoirs: human skin and inside the nose

c. portal of exit: skin, pus from an infected pimple or boil, and nasal mucous

d. mode of transmission: direct contact with skin or contaminated objects or healthcare workers.

e. portal of entry: usually a cut on the skin

f. susceptible host: almost anyone, but especially those with open wounds or a suppressed immune system

When I researched ways that links in the chain of transmission may be broken to stop the spread of the MRSA infection, I found you can eliminate bacteria with antibiotics. Also, healthcare professionals should wash their hands properly after treating each patient they touch. Healthcare professionals should disinfect potentially contaminated surfaces. Lastly, healthcare professionals should use gloves and a gown when examining potential infections. They should dispose of these items before examining the next patient.

Explanation: (Answers may vary.)