Staphylococcus is a kind of bacteria that normally lives in the skin and in the nose without causing any problems to healthy individuals. However if there is an excessive amount of the bacteria, then infection occurs. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is defined by the Center for Disease Control as a virulent type of staphylococcus bacteria which is resistant to methicillin, oxacillin and other commonly used antiobiotic treatment for staphylococcus. Further, the bacteria are very difficult to treat with the usual antibiotics.
Hence, producing the term “superbug. ” Many articles have been recently published regarding Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), so much attention was done because many people died from the “superbug”. An article states that the Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are spreading with alarming rapidity and are replacing methicillin-sensitive strains of S. aureus as one of the most common cause of skin and soft-tissue infection. Moreover, Researchers have observed that Methicillin resistance among community isolates of S.
aureus has already exceeded a staggering 70% in the United States causing the threat worldwide. According to Center for Disease Control, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is transmitted through skin contact with another person or contaminated objects. Infections developed when the bacteria enters the blood stream, usually via wounds, cuts, and burns. In rare cases, MRSA can spread through the air when infected patient with pneumonia coughs. The symptoms of the disease would depend on the site of infection.
The MRSA or “the superbug” caught more attention to the researchers and scientists because emerging reports of bacterial infection in the day care centers, schools, prisons, and communities. Infection of MRSA acquired in the community is termed as Community Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CAMRSA). This is quite alarming since infected patients died if not treated with proper antibiotics. Researchers recognized that prolonged use of antibiotics or antibiotic abuse resulted in the emerging problem.
In the Canadian Disease Guidelines states that the goal of community control is to prevent the spread of MRSA from an infected or colonized individual to others like in the family or community. Individuals must take a proactive role such as practicing good hygiene, including consistent hand washing, covering any draining skin lesions and not sharing potentially contaminated personal articles. Likewise, Physicians have a role in preventing the spread of MRSA.
For example educating the patients by encouraging good personal hygiene practices and notifying public health authorities in cases of a suspected outbreak. This can be done by restricting the unnecessary use of antibiotics because this drives the selection of antibiotic-resistant organisms.
References:
Medical Observer Journal (January-February 2008), A superbug called MRSA, S. Coo, etal : Philippines Canadian Medical Association Journal (January 2, 2007) Community-associated MRSA: Superbug at our doorstep, Michael Hawkes, etal: Canada