We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Methods of MRSA Transmission?

A. Pasbjerg
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,006
Share

The primary methods of MRSA transmission are person-to-person contact and contact with an object or surface that has been contaminated with the bacteria. Person-to-person contact is typically the most common mode of transmission and may spread MRSA in one of two ways: someone may interact with another person who is actively infected, or someone who is a carrier can unknowingly pass it on to another person. Getting MRSA from bacteria on a surface can happen anywhere, though it may be more apt to occur in locations where there is a high likelihood that people with the disease are present, such as a hospital, or in settings where people share many personal objects, such as a gym or day care.

Direct contact with an infected individual is the most straightforward means of MRSA transmission. MRSA causes pustules to form on the skin, and if another person touches these infected areas, the bacteria may spread to him or her. This can lead to an active infection if it gets into a break in the skin, or it may simply make that person a carrier who can spread it to others. MRSA also thrives in the mucous membranes, so sneezing or coughing may spread the disease, either by getting it into the air or moving it to hands or surfaces where it can then be passed to another person.

MRSA transmission can also occur when a person who is a carrier of the disease comes into contact with another person. People become carriers when their skin is colonized by MRSA bacteria through contact with an infected person, another carrier, or a contaminated surface. The bacteria can then live on the skin of a carrier for days, weeks, or even years, without ever becoming an active infection. When the carrier touches another person, he or she may pass the bacteria on, making the other person a carrier or possibly giving him or her an active infection. The carrier can also leave bacteria on other surfaces, contaminating them.

It is also possible for MRSA transmission to happen when the bacteria gets onto an object or surface from an infected person or carrier. Other people may then touch the contaminated surface, spreading the disease. This method of transmission typically occurs less frequently than direct passage from one person to another, but is not uncommon in areas like hospitals, the military, or sports settings.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
A. Pasbjerg
By A. Pasbjerg
Andrea Pasbjerg, a WiseGeek contributor, holds an MBA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Her business background helps her to create content that is both informative and practical, providing readers with valuable insights and strategies for success in the business world.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg
Andrea Pasbjerg, a WiseGeek contributor, holds an MBA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Her business background helps her to create content that is both informative and practical, providing readers with valuable insights and strategies for success in the business world.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-methods-of-mrsa-transmission.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.