STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

PAIN MAGAZINE

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are isolates of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus that have acquired genes encoding anitbiotic resistance to all penicillins, including methicillin and other narrow-spectrum, lactamase-resistant penicillin antibiotics.

MRSA was first discovered in the UK in 1961 and is now widespread in hospitals. MRSA is commonly called a “superbug”

MRSA may also be known as oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcous aureus (ORSA) and multiple-resistant Staphylococcus aureous, while a non-methicillin resistant strains of S. aureus are sometimes called methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), indicating that the bacteria is not antibiotic-resistant and therefore more easily treated.

Although MRSA infections have traditionally been associated with hospitals, community-acquired MRSA strains have appeared in recent years, notable in the United States and Australia. The abbreviations CA-MRSA (community-associated MRSA) and HA-MRSA (hospital-associated MRSA) are now commonly seen in medical literature.

The “community acquired” thing is where we fit into the picture. Yes, it can be related to tattooing and body piercing. There are many ways someone can get this infection, including (but not limited to) poor aftercare (or none at all), improperly cleaned and non-sterilized equipment, reused needles, and other disposable supplies (such as prep razors, rinse cups, and ink caps), failure to wear gloves, and failure to wash hands before and after tattooing. From 2004 to 2005, there were 44 documented cases of MRSA in three states that CDC officials trace to illegal tattoos. These infections were reportedly caused by unlicensed tattooists failing to follow safe tattooing practices, such as wearing gloves and discarding single-use products after each customer.

Most MRSA skin infections are mild but can also manifest as boils or abscesses that require surgical intervention and drainage. In additions, MRSA may develop into life-threatening conditions, such as pneumonia or necrotizing fasciitis (the so called “flesh-eating disease”. Blood infection from MRSA is also possible, often leading to hospitalization and treatment with intravenous antibiotics. The infection is usually spread person to person by direct contact with a draining wound, but it can also be acquired through contact with an asymptomatic carrier of the bacteria.

MRSA is a serious reminder that we, as tattooists, have a responsibility to always tattoo safely, become educated and stay abreast of the best ways to practive our art without fear of harming our clients or ourselves. Follow the OSHA guidelines and don’t get complacent! The life of our industry depends on all of us being professional in every aspect of our work.

Mike Martin

Alliance of Professional Tattooists Health and Education Coordinator

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