a. Bacterium: Staphylococcus aureus
b. Disease caused: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection
c. Example of condition that can lead to the spread of MRSA: Improper hand hygiene practices by healthcare professionals
c. Methods to prevent the spread of MRSA:
- Proper hand hygiene: Healthcare professionals should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after each patient contact, especially in cases of potential MRSA carriers.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Healthcare professionals should use gloves, gowns, masks, and other appropriate PPE when necessary, particularly when handling or coming into contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials.
- Effective environmental cleaning and disinfection: Regular cleaning and disinfection of healthcare facilities, including all high-touch surfaces and patient care areas, should be performed using appropriate disinfectants to eliminate MRSA contamination.
- Adherence to infection control protocols: Healthcare professionals should follow strict infection control protocols and best practices, including proper isolation and quarantine procedures, to prevent the spread of MRSA within healthcare settings.
- Antibiotic stewardship: Overuse or unnecessary use of antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Healthcare professionals should adhere to antibiotic stewardship practices by prescribing antibiotics judiciously and taking steps to prevent the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA.