Patients with meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection: twenty-first century lepers

Abstract

In the recent past, there has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, especially community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) infections. Many media descriptions of MRSA are sensational and focus on its potential for severe disease and contagiousness.Our objective is to describe psychological and social morbidity associated with MRSA infection via a case series of five patients with CA-MRSA infection. We also analyze the resulting stigmatization associated with being diagnosed with MRSA infection.We learned that patients describe a variety of stigmatization related to their diagnosis of MRSA, including being shunned at home and in the workplace. Patients describe being asked by family, colleagues, and clients to take extraordinary measures to prevent MRSA transmission. Consequences of MRSA diagnoses have included erosion or termination of key personal and business relationships.In conclusion, stigmatization resulting from the diagnosis of MRSA can have profound personal and social morbidity. Media and public health awareness of MRSA infection needs to be balanced with information about how MRSA transmission is usually preventable with simple hygienic measures.Over the past decade, the number of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections has escalated. This increase includes a rise in the incidence of both healthcare-associated MRSA infections and community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections. 1, 2 CA-MRSA infections affect children and adults and can cause recurrent skin infections.3 MRSA infections have now received global attention in the mainstream media,4 , 5 spurned the emergence of patient-driven support groups, and spawned legislation aimed at decreasing infections. 6 Public consciousnesses of MRSA infections has probably never been higher. However, many media descriptions of MRSA are sensational and focus on its potential for severe disease, contagiousness, and death. 7 With the rise in awareness of MRSA infections, we have witnessed an increased number of MRSA-diagnosed patients who are stigmatized by family, friends and colleagues. Although

Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes Regarding Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus among Caregivers of Hospitalized Children

“…Similar to patients with leprosy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted diseases, caregivers often did not share their child's MRSA status with others in fear of social isolation. [7, 19, 20] Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for a feeling of stigma when counseling families. Media descriptions of MRSA are often sensationalized and focus on contagiousness, severe disease and death.…”

“…However, little is known about how being labeled as “MRSA positive” impacts a child and the family. [6, 7] The current study was designed to explore the knowledge, awareness and attitudes of caregivers regarding MRSA, and to assess whether there were negative consequences of identifying and labeling children with MRSA.…”

Update on screening and clinical diagnosis of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

“…There may also be reimbursement incentives and decreased liability from a possible reduction in the number of MRSA infections acquired in healthcare centres. On the down side (particularly where the prevalence is low), universal screening may result in the unnecessary isolation of MRSA patients [2,7], an increase in psychological problems for those patients who are colonised and placed in isolation [8], and an increase both in laboratory and hospital costs.…”

Infectious disease outbreaks and increased complexity of care

“…Patients in isolation often feel stigmatized and may perceive that the quality of care they receive is adversely affected by their diagnosis (Madeo ; Mozzillo et al. ).…”