Hi gypsymount. Years ago, my son, then 4, cultured "simple" staph aureus and our CF center classified it as "normal flora" and didn't tell us. When he started having symptoms, they finally told us. The nurse explained that they don't treat it unless it becomes symptomatic. I went through the roof. The poor nurse heard me screaming that they better never withhold anything from me again. I felt as though whether they treated something that was potentially troublesome was a decision that should be made in consultation with us, not instead of us. I regret going off on them like that, but the policy needed to be communicated and they haven't withheld or delayed reporting since! They understand - tell us everything.
My CF Center also feels that MRSA is generally not treated - unless it becomes troublesome. I think the general view is changing - that it is possible to get rid of it when first cultured, although it's likely to recur or just go "underground" despite treatment attempts. They also don't want to risk unnecessary antibiotic resistance by trying to treat something they know will not go away. But the fact of the matter is the studies show more rapid lung decline if MRSA is cultured. That's not pretty, but it's generally accepted as true. So whether it is treated should be in consult with you.
If you are uncomfortable with your clinic's approach, you can get a second opinion and frankly I would get one from an Infectious Disease specialist as well. They deal with MRSA daily and may have other protocols they would recommend. I have seen some studies and reports that MRSA, which is fairly common with CFers, is the subject of much promising research for treatment and even elimination.
I will also throw this out for - hopefully - general comment. It's my understanding that the usual picture people have when they hear MRSA is skin boils. It makes people afraid of you or your children for fear of contamination. But I also get the impression that culturing MRSA in your lungs is not quite the same thing. MRSA in the lungs apparently keeps to itself (biomes?) and doesn't generally result in any skin symptoms. It is also apparently present in the nasal cavity at one time or another of a large percentage of the general population. It's just not the super scary stuff originally pictured. I have also read there are two ways to acquire MRSA - "hospital acquired" and "community acquired." Common community locations are gyms and locker rooms and I believe this type of acquisition may be more likely to result in skin issues. Hospital acquired can certainly result in skin issues as well, but I get the impression that it is also more likely to make it to the lungs of a CFer, possibly through medical instruments and because of their susceptibility.
Now that I've said lots of things that may be totally incorrect, please do remember I'm not a doctor or an authority on the subject. These forums are wonderful for exchanging information and commeraderie, a critical aspect of dealing with a disease that requires you to physically stay away from others similarly situated! But any information you get here should generally just help you formulate questions you may want to ask your docs if you want a greater understanding or want to entertain a more proactive approach!
Relax. You are on the CF trek which involves slowly learning about lots of different aspects, making you much smarter than your average friend and family member about medical issues, hygiene issues, and even personal growth!
