MRSA Infection Overview
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Because MRSA is so antibiotic resistant, it is termed a "superbug" by some investigators. This superbug is a variation of an already recognized human pathogen, S. aureus, gram-positive bacteria that occur in grape-like clusters termed cocci. The bacteria are usually found in the human armpit, groin, nose (most frequently), and throat. Fortunately, only about 1%-2% of people are colonized by MRSA, usually in the nose, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the majority of cases, the colonizing bacteria do not cause disease. However, damage to the skin or other injury may allow the bacteria to overcome the natural protective mechanisms of the body leading to infection; because of its ability to destroy skin, it is also one of the types of bacteria that has been termed a "flesh-eating bacterium."Watch: How To Stop MRSA In Its Tracks!
Download: MRSA are not VRE organisms (VRE means vancomycin-resistant enterococcus species). However, MRSA can be resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin (Lyphocin, Vancocin HCl, Vancocin HCl Pulvules) and are termed VRSA (vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Plasmids (extra-chromosomal genetic material) that code for antibiotic resistance can be transferred between these two bacterial types and other types of bacteria such as Escherichia (E. coli).
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Even without antibiotic resistance, S. aureus has effective means to cause infections. Bacterial strains of S. aureus can produce proteolytic enzymes (enzymes that break down proteins resulting in pus production), enterotoxins (proteins that cause vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases, shock), exfoliative toxin (a protein causing skin disruption, blisters), and exotoxin TSST-1 (a protein that can cause toxic shock syndrome). Adding antibiotic resistance to this long list of pathogenic mechanisms (ways to cause infection) makes MRSA a formidable superbug.
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