New weapon to tackle MRSA superbug

Main Category: MRSA / Drug Resistance
Article Date: 15 Dec 2004 - 22:00 PDT

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A British researcher has developed a new test that should help doctors identify the presence of the MRSA "superbug" more quickly.

The scientist, based at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, has created a test which can detect a particular strain of MRSA in hours, rather than days, helping to stop the disease spreading.

The test provides a detailed picture of the bacterium's genetic structure enabling hospitals to better discover the source of the infection.

However, at a cost of £15 a patient, the test could prove expensive. Current tests cost between £5 and £8 each.

A science summit on hospital-acquired infections is being held this week at the Royal College of Pathologists in London. Health secretary John Reid is among the speakers and is expected to announce moves to improve hospital hygiene and cleanliness.

Last month, Dr Reid announced targets to dramatically cut the number of MRSA infections by half by March 2008.

MRSA affects thousands of hospital patients each year and the National Audit Office estimates hospital-acquired infections kill 5,000 people each year. The MRSA bacterium is resistant to nearly all antibiotics.
http://www.hda-online.org.uk/html/about/phnews.asp?ItemID=7327545

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