MRSA Notes

Well, you know I am not a scientist – and when it comes to talking about PVL (Panton-Valentine leukocidin) my ignorance does indeed show. I was under the impression that this toxin was a result of CA-MRSA, a toxin released by the bacteria in the course of an infection, not a cause of an infection [...]

Kudos to Dr. Paul Auerback, who addresses MRSA in his blog, Medicine for the Outdoors. His post gives general information about MRSA infections and expresses his concern about where they originate: The situation has taken a turn for the worse, because doctors are now seeing MRSA infections that are acquired outside of the hospital. These [...]

Much ado has been made lately about Surgical Site Infections (SSI’s) and how they are one of the most commonly reported nosocomial (healthcare-acquired) infections. Dr. Robert Penn has been doing his own research on them, trying to discover what can be done to lower the rates of infection. Good for him!! He has found that [...]

At their annual Skin Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology’s, Dr. Sandra M. Johnson spoke about the importance of teaching your small children proper skin care habits that will last them a lifetime. Along with much discussion of bug bites, warts, inflamation and other skin conditions that are frequently found in children, Dr. Johnson also [...]

Strange stuff coming down the pipeline in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. I am not quite sure if this is a truly amazing discovery, or if times are getting desperate. LOL Artificial peptides are being produced by scientists, using basic grammar rules to manipulate the genetic code, and improve and change their ability to fight. [...]

Panton-Valentine Leukocidin is the toxic waste left behind by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in some cases. This is often the cytotoxin that leads to TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) as well as necrotizing fasiitis. PVL is most often found in CA-MRSA, but has been found in MSSA (Methicillin Susceptable Staph aureus) on occasion. This journal article describes [...]

Did you notice I was absent for a few days? I had a major computer malfunction – well really a major home malfunction: a lightening bolt hit way-too-close-for-comfort, and killed my computer (right through the surge supressor) and our phone lines. At least it didn’t kill us! Anyway, the point of my sob story is [...]

Hibiclens has done a fantastic job revamping their website, and they are working very hard to promote MRSA awareness. I am a HUGE fan of Hibiclens, and recommend it to everyone I know who has been in touch with MRSA. A representative of their company contacted me last week to let me know of some [...]

If you seek a basic understanding of how the overuse of antibiotics have cause this havoc, and how what was once the miracle of science has cause a scourge of virulence, don’t miss this easy to understand editorial by Michael D. Shaw – The Superbugs are Here, Don’t Help Them Along. Of interest: Bear in [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thousands of infection prevention and control professionals throughout the world will participate in week-long activities commemorating International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) being held October 16-22, 2006, highlighting their daily dedication to the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections. The annual event, initiated by President Ronald Reagan in 1986, is spearheaded by the [...]