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What Is the Original Source of Mrsa?

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain of the staph bacterium that is resistant to all but the most powerful antibiotics. Because of this resistance, it has been given the title of Superbug.

  1. Antibiotic Mutation

    • Severe bacterial infections are treated by antibiotics. As a bacterial strain is exposed to an antibiotic over a period of time, a genetic mutation may take place that will cause the bacterium to be resistant to the antibiotic. As it becomes resistant, another, more powerful antibiotic is required to control the infection.

    Origin of MRSA

    • The powerful antibiotic methicillin was introduced in 1959 to treat staphylococcus aureus, which had become resistant to other less-powerful antibiotics. Eventually, mutations occurred that caused the staph to become resistant to methicillin. Because few, more powerful antibiotics have been developed, choices for treating MRSA are extremely limited. It is this resistance to treatment that makes this infection particularly devastating.

    Prevelance of MRSA

    • According to eMedicine Health, about 0.8 percent of the U.S. population carries MRSA in their bodies. That factors out to about 2.3 million people. These people can control the bacteria with their own immune system, and MRSA is not a problem unless a secondary infection sets in, compromising the immune system.

    Transmission of MRSA

    • MRSA can be transmitted from person to person by direct or indirect contact. This risk is increased through contact sports or sharing towels or other personal items. Health-care workers are particularly susceptible because of their hands-on contact with patients.

    Treatment of MRSA

    • As MRSA is resistant to most antibiotics, determination of the proper antibiotic to fight the infection is paramount. A bacterial sample is taken and resistance testing is performed against an array of antibiotics. Once one or more sensitive antibiotics are found, aggressive treatment, usually intravenous antibiotic therapy, is initiated.

    Prevention of MRSA

    • Hand washing is the major way to prevent the spread of MRSA. For health-care workers, use of gloves is recommended. Common sense plays a big role in preventing the spread of MRSA. Avoid direct person-to-person contact and do not share clothing, towels or other personal items.

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