What is MRSA?
MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.
Staphylococcus Aureus (known as SA) is a common type of bacteria that lives on the skin or in the nose of about one in three people, without causing any harm. Most of these people have no idea they’re carrying the infection and don’t experience any symptoms. If the bacteria finds a way inside the body through a cut or graze in the skin the individual may experience minor problems, such as skin infections, abscesses, impetigo, or boils. SA can cause more problems if it finds a way into the bloodstream, resulting in stronger infections and more dangerous complications.
In the past SA infections were treated with antibiotics, such as methicillin, however over the years, with people not finishing their course of tablets and the bacteria being able to successfully mutate, SA has become immune to a wide range of antibiotics and is now very difficult to treat. These bacteria are classified as methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) – nick-named “superbugs” because of their resistance to antibiotics.
Treatment of MRSA still involves antibiotics, but over a much longer period of time with much stronger doses, and this can lead to serious complications for the body. A small number of people die each year from MRSA...
Profile of the Author: This article is written by Jackie Griffiths , a freelance journalist who writes health, medical, biological, and pharmaceutical articles for national and international journals, newsletters and web site.
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