MRSA Notes

I frequently hear this question, and my answer is always the same - MRSA is transmitted by skin to skin contact, so certainly sexual activity provides the opportunity. Compounding the issue is the fact that MRSA likes to colonize in those warm, moist nether-regions. The subject comes up even more frequently when considering [...]

The New York Academy of Sciences is presenting a talk by Barry Kreiswirth of PHRI TB Center, Public Health Research Institute, on the changing epidemiology of MRSA. Here is the abstract for the January 17 talk:

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been the most clinically important nosocomial pathogen for the last 45 years; during [...]

The state of Michigan has produced some great materials to help inform their athletes about MRSA and how to prevent it. They have had a significant number of problems with MRSA in their wrestling program, especially, and are working hard to prevent any more:

“What we’ve done at our wrestling rules meeting this season is [...]

This is another good one from The Guardian - they have lots of good MRSA info, I think, because The Guardian thrives on sensationalism and has discovered MRSA to be a good topic. Regardless, check out this article, it answers some general questions about MRSA:

What is MRSA?
How dangerous is MRSA?
What about the new killer [...]

Scientists have found another weak spot in the biology of bacteria in the folate production system. Bacteria can produce their own folate, which is crucial in cell division, while humans cannot - so targeting this process in the bacteria should result in a drug that is not harmful to humans, but prevents the reproduction [...]

The UK’s Daily Mail has a helpful list of things you can do to prevent acquiring MRSA if you are going to the hospital. You don’t have to be a patient to get MRSA at the hospital - just keep that in mind.

Shower frequently
Do not be afraid to ask the staff and visitors if [...]

Jason Maude has developed an online diagnosis support program in order to help doctors be sure they have not overlooked something in the course of diagnosis and treatment. This system is called the Isabel System, in honor of his daughter who suffered a terrible staph infection that went undiagnosed for a very long time. [...]

Beginning in December, and continuing throughout the next six months, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control are going to host “Grand Rounds: Elimination of MRSA Transmission” in Washington, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Dallas and New York City.

“Leading institutions are proving that significant reductions in MRSA can be achieved and sustained through a combination of [...]

Thanks to DoctorRW, here is a link to a .PDF document regarding Vancomycin and the four most recent antibiotics for use with gram positive antibiotic resistant infections (yes, that is our MRSA). The drugs are Linezolid (Zyvox), Quinupristin-dalfopristin (Synercid), Daptomycin (Cubicin) and Tygecycline (Tygacil). There is some basic, easy to understand information about [...]

Here is a group after my own heart, promoting the educated use of antibiotics. Included in their web site, Do Bugs Need Drugs? is information for healthcare professionals, us regular folks, children, daycares and assisted living facilities. Do Bugs Need Drugs? promotes 3 things that everyone needs to know:

Handwashing is the best way [...]