Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection
Written by _Dr Alan Johnson_ (http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/whoisnd.htm) ,
clinical scientist
What is MRSA?
MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a type of
bacterium commonly found on the skin and/or in the noses of healthy people.
Although it is usually harmless at these sites, it may occasionally get into
the body (eg through breaks in the skin such as abrasions, cuts, wounds,
surgical incisions or indwelling catheters) and cause infections. These
infections may be mild (eg pimples or boils) or serious (eg infection of the
bloodstream, bones or joints).
The treatment of infections due to Staphylococcus aureus was revolutionised
in the 1940s by the introduction of the antibiotic penicillin.
Unfortunately, most strains of Staphylococcus aureus are now resistant to
penicillin. This is because Staphylococcus aureus has 'learnt' to make a
substance called ß-lactamase (pronounced beta-lactamase), that degrades penicillin,
destroying its antibacterial activity.
Some related antibiotics, such as methicillin and flucloxacillin, are not
affected by ß-lactamase and can still be used to treat many infections due to
ß-lactamase-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Unfortunately,
however, certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus, known as MRSA, have now also
become resistant to treatment with methicillin and flucloxacillin.
Although other types of antibiotics can still be used to treat infections
caused by MRSA, these alternative drugs are usually not available in tablet
form and must be administered through a drip inserted into a vein.
more on _http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/mrsa.htm_
(http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/mrsa.htm)
Peace,
Judy
Judy LeVan Fram, PT, IBCLC, LLLL
Brooklyn, NY, USA
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