MRSA cases concern health professionals in US Gulf Coast

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Main Category: MRSA / Drug Resistance
Article Date: 25 Sep 2005 - 16:00 PDT

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The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reports 30 new cases of antibiotic resistant bacteria in a center for evacuees (victims of the Katrina storm). Initial lab tests indicate the resistance may be caused by MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), otherwise known as the 'superbug'.

Authorities say that among the infected patients, 30 of them, many are children. All cases were detected early and are receiving clinical care and control measures.

What is MRSA?
(methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Many people carry MRSA on their skin and never suffer any consequences. The problems start if the bacteria gets into your body, especially into your lungs or under your skin. The consequences can be serious boils (under the skin) and pneumonia (lungs).

MRSA refers to a type of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics - most antibiotics don't work with them.

To find out whether MRSA is present on a person/patient requires a test - the results appear after two or three days.

The danger of MRSA is when people with weak immune systems get infected - People in hospital, the very elderly and some newborn babies. Patients with deep wounds are also vulnerable as the bacteria can get in through the lesion.

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Editor - Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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