Question: Can I have MRSA on my skin without having an infection?
Answer: Just because you have MRSA on your skin doesn't mean you have a MRSA infection, but it does mean you are at risk. More than one-quarter of the population has staph bacteria living in their noses, and it is thought that a similar number have the bacteria present on their skin. However, only about 1% of the population has MRSA living on their bodies. It is important to know that having a type of bacteria living on your skin, or in your nose, is not the same as having an infection. Bacteria can live on your skin for years without causing any problems. However, because you have staph living on your skin, you may be more susceptible to infection. If you scratch your skin, the bacteria may be able to get into the wound. This is one reason why it is extremely important to wash your hands, and wounds, frequently -- to avoid transferring bacteria from one area of your body to another and possibly causing an infection.
Sources:
Binh An Diep et al. "Emergence of Multidrug-Resistant, Community-Associated, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Clone USA300 in Men Who Have Sex with Men" Annals of Internal Medicine 148(4) Epub Ahead of Print. (Accessed 1/22/08)
CDC Community Associated MRSA Information Page (Accessed 1/22/08)
