the difference between MRSA colonization and MRSA infection

MRSA colonization is a condition that Staphylococcus aureus lives normally on human skin surface for long periods or even permanently without us ever knowing it.

*depending on the population group/risk profile most studies show that 5-10% of us are carrying MRSA around with us wherever we go.

*As far as sites of colonization this bacteria can live on virtually any skin surface, but they really love the warmest, dampest, darkest areas they can find including the nose, throat, armpits, and various sites “south of the border”. It is widely accepted in the medical community that the nose represents the primary reservoir of S. aureus/MRSA colonization in humans, with the throat emerging as another important area and all other sites considered secondary.

MRSA infection is an active infection occurs when a bacterial strain undergoes uncontrolled growth. When the body attempts to mount a defense against this overgrowth you begin to see the typical, well known symptoms of infection including redness, pain, fever, etc. Infection can be localized to a specific area such as a wound, cut, or burn. More concerning, is when an infection spreads as a result of bacteria entering the blood supply and continuing to grow while circulating throughout the body. This is known medically as “bacteremia”, and is the most serious and deadly form of infection.

In summary : :

People colonized with MRSA regularly live happily unaware for many years, studies have proven that they are far more likely to develop an MRSA infection at some point than those not carrying the bug. Furthermore, asymptomatic (ie. non-infected)

MRSA carriers can easily pass this bacteria on to others through direct contact or even just by living in the same environment.

See more at: http://mrsatopic.com/2010/09/mrsa-colonization-vs-infection/#sthash.cnXteqXU.dpuf