Infection Control

The aim of this essay is to discuss and analyse the fundamental issues of infection control which underpins Adult Nursing. The topic for discussion is infection control/nosocomial infections in particular Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). There are varying degrees of the strain Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and some strains are classed as MRSA (National Health Service (NHS) Plus, 2005). Not all strains of the bacterium will cause an epidemic. Epidemic causing MRSA is classified as EMRSA, most notably EMRSA-15 and EMRSA-16, which can be more difficult to control (Department of Health (DH), 2004). However, for the purpose of this essay, the author will focus on MRSA in an acute setting, which has become a major problem around the world, causing hospital acquired infections and, more recently, infections in the community (Ayliffe et al, 2000). Applying current research, the essay will indicate that there is an increase of the transient infection and look at its modes of transmission throughout a hospital ward. This essay will also draw attention to the implications MRSA has towards patients and staff, plus what precautions can be established to prevent or to contain the spread of this particular infection. Due to word limit of this essay, good use will be made of appendices.

MRSA is deserving of its second name the ‘super bug’, as it has been shown to survive four months in dry conditions (Duckworth & Jordens, 1990, cited by Wiseman, 2004). With pathogens being able to survive under such basic conditions, many implications for patients’ basic health care are raised in a hospital or a primary care setting. It appears that for MRSA to live in a human body there must be a susceptible host with a compromised or depressed immune system (Cohen et al, 2000). MRSA is classified as an opportunistic infection, because, it takes hold of host whom has been weakened (Cohen et al, 2000).

Further indicating patients who are debilitated and have