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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
My 3 yr old exposed to MRSA of LUNG
Answered by
MN
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My 3 yr old exposed to MRSA of LUNG
by angelia36, Nov 26, 2007 10:25AM
My father had OPEN HEART surgery with 4 Coronary Bypasses. he is 5 days post op, and we were told yesterday that his sputum culture was positive for STAPH {QUOTE}(the ordinary kind) today we were told that it was MRSA. I am so upset because I worry that he could die. He is immuno-comprimised due to a Liver transplant 3.5 years ago and taking anti-rejection drugs. My entire family has been with him around the clock, taking turns staying with him. His 84 year old mother has been at his bedside and staying overnight and my 3 year old daughter was visiting him yesterday. Should any of us be treated prophalactically? PLEASE HELP !!!!!!! 11/26/07
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish Health, Nov 30, 2007 04:26PM
, Nov 30, 2007 04:26PM
It is highly likely that your father is being treated for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), under the direction of an infectious disease consultant. You should pose the question to that physician. Your father may have MRSA endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart, in which case the risk of infection for others would be less than were the organism causing a skin or open wound infection. If it is in his lungs, he would be quite contagious. Nevertheless, your father or any of you could be MRSA carriers.
Rather than prophylactic antibiotic therapy, all of you who have been in contact with your father, prior to and/or during his hospitalization should have nasal cultures to see if you are now carrying the bacteria. If so, then prophylaxis would probably be appropriate. In any event, all of you should be wearing masks and, if in physical contact with your father, gloves and probably gowns as well as washing your hands carefully, after any contact.
You are right to be concerned about you and your family members.
Rather than prophylactic antibiotic therapy, all of you who have been in contact with your father, prior to and/or during his hospitalization should have nasal cultures to see if you are now carrying the bacteria. If so, then prophylaxis would probably be appropriate. In any event, all of you should be wearing masks and, if in physical contact with your father, gloves and probably gowns as well as washing your hands carefully, after any contact.
You are right to be concerned about you and your family members.
