Chapter 4 Safety and Infection Control 113 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Rickettsiae Rickettsiae are parasites, or organisms that live in or on another organ- ism. Parasites such as rickettsiae normally choose fl eas, lice, ticks, or mites as their host organism. If one of these creatures bites a human, that human’s body becomes the parasite’s host. Rickettsiae cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and types of typhus, both of which are severe infections that have been known to cause serious epidemics. Rickettsiae are treated with appropriate antibiotics. parasites organisms that live in or on another organism rickettsiae parasites that normally choose fl eas, lice, ticks, or mites as their host organisms can cause severe infections In the news today, you hear a great deal about antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or super bugs. Over the years, certain bacteria have developed a resistance to antibiotics. This resistance makes some infections difficult to treat. Some bacteria are resistant to most antibiotics. This resistance can develop when antibiotics are used improperly, such as when • patients do not take all of their prescribed antibiotics (the bacteria may not be completely killed, which will cause further illness or even drug resistance) • antibiotics are prescribed when not needed or indicated (antibiotics will not be effective against the flu, which is caused by a virus) • antibacterial substances are contained in cleaning products • antibiotics are found in animals consumed as food or • genetic mutation of bacteria has occurred. Some bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics include Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Clostridium difficile, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, and Enterobacter. One of the most highly publicized bacterium in this category is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is responsible for a difficult-to-treat infection. MRSA is prevalent in hospitals, prisons, schools, and nursing homes, where residents with open wounds and weakened immune systems are confined in close quarters. These patients are at greater risk of infection than the general public. Careful monitoring of antibiotic use is necessary to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance and to reduce the spread of antibiotic- resistant bacteria. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) an antibiotic-resistant bacterium responsible for a diffi cult-to-treat infection sometimes prevalent in hospitals, prisons, schools, and nursing homes Super Bugs Extend Your Knowledge Extend Your Knowledge Apply It 1. Have there been incidences of antibiotic-resistant bacteria at one of your local healthcare facilities? 2. After completing this chapter, identify the infection control procedures that you believe should be followed when antibiotic-resistant bacteria are involved.