Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infections
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that can cause serious or even fatal infections. Because the bacteria are constantly evolving, they have developed resistance to antibiotics commonly used to fight them. This evolution has produced resistant strains of bacteria, which are difficult to treat.
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About Staphylococcus aureus
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Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that is often found in the nose and on the skin of normal, healthy individuals, according to Todar's Online Textbook of Bacteriology. Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus can range from pimple-like pustules to life-threatening meningitis or blood infections.
In the early days of antibiotics, Staphylococcus aureus was treatable with the antibiotic penicillin, according to information from the National Institutes of Health. However, the bacteria evolved to resist the antibiotic. Doctors moved to more potent antibiotics to combat the bacteria. The bacteria continued to evolve, becoming resistant to those antibiotics as well. This cycle of evolution continues today.
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MRSA
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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common multi-antibiotic resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Methicillin is an antibiotic. As of 2009, about 50 percent of Staphylococcus aureus found in hospitals was resistant to methicillin, according to information from the NIH.
MRSA is not just present in hospitals, however. Many people are becoming infected with Community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA), or MRSA acquired from somewhere in normal life, not a hospital. Because MRSA is very contagious, it is easily passed from person to person in the community.
MRSA is very contagious and can be life-threatening. Often, it can be treated with other antibiotics, like doxycycline or tetracycline.
VRSA
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Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) is an extremely resistant bacterium, according to information from the NIH. It has developed resistance to one of the most potent antibiotics in modern medicine's arsenal - vancomycin. As of 2009, VRSA had not developed complete resistance to vancomycin; however, scientists expect that a completely-resistant strain may evolve soon.
This is concerning because vancomycin has been considered a "last line of defense" drug - that is, the drug of choice when other, less potent drugs have failed. As they evolve, vancomycin-resistant bacteria may become increasingly difficult to treat.
VRSA infections are generally found in patients who have spent time in a hospital.
Prevention
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Much of preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections is rooted in good hygiene, according to information from the NIH. Wash hands frequently, especially when visiting hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Don't share razors or towels with someone else; the bacteria can contaminate these items. Clean sports equipment, like weight machines in the gym, with an antiseptic solution. Avoid whirlpools and saunas if other users have open sores. Cover all open sores with bandages, and don't touch other people's dirty bandages.
Treatment
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Treatment for Staphylococcus aureus infections depends on the manner of infection, according to information from the NIH. For some infections of the skin, like those that resemble pimples, simple drainage at the doctor's office may be all that is needed. For more serious infections, aggressive antibiotic therapy and hospitalization may be necessary.
Warning
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Staphylococcus aureus infections are not to be ignored. They are very contagious and can be fatal. If an infection is suspected, seek medical attention.
References
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- Photo Credit "Bacteria solution" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: kaibara87 (Umberto Salvagnin) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
