History Of Mrsa

MRSA is an acronym which stands for methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus. It is a form of staph infection that is especially resistant to traditional antibiotic treatment. Although there has been much attention paid to MRSA lately due to several outbreaks, this infection is nothing new. The history of MRSA dates all the way back to the first use of penicillin. Some scientists and doctors, such as Alexander Fleming, began to notice that some staph strains were more resistant to treatment than others.

Fleming is the man credited with the invention of penicillin. He noticed the antibiotic resistance and began warning those in the health care profession about the overuse and abuse of antibiotics. Fleming knew that using antibiotics when unnecessary could lead to stronger, more dangerous strains of infection which developed a resistance to treatment. This is exactly what MRSA is, an infection which does not respond well to traditional antibiotic treatment. However, MRSA was not in existence during the time of Alexander Fleming.

The discovery of MRSA occurred many years ago, around the late 1960s. It was discovered in a hospital setting and rarely was seen outside of the hospital. The first cases were seen as infections of surgery wounds and infections of the bloodstream. One of the most alarming things about MRSA is the recent rash of infections in individuals who are healthy and have not had any contact with hospitals or other healthcare facilities. Those in nursing homes, group homes, schools and even fitness centers are at a higher risk because MRSA is spread by contact with an infected person or their belongings.

To help prevent MRSA, practice regular handwashing. Don't share towels, razors or other personal items. If you use a shower at your school or gym, wear protective footwear. Make use of hand sanitizers and room disinfectants like Lysol. If you notice any symptoms of MRSA, see your doctor immediately. MRSA symptoms start off as skin bumps that look like pimples or boils and progress into abscessed regions that often need surgical draining. To test for the presence of MRSA, your doctor can do a skin culture. While we can't change MRSA history, we can work to prevent the spread of this antibiotic resistant infection by practicing good health habits and seeking prompt treatment for symptoms.



Strep Throat Relief


MRSA News:
Scientist warns of new MRSA threat
(Medical Xpress) -- An MRSA expert from the Universitys Department of Biology & Biochemistry has warned that a new, more toxic strain of the disease poses a serious threat to people in Britain as it migrates from the United States...




Strep Throat Relief


Technorati Tags: ,, ,