Health & Medical Skin Conditions & Dermatology

Are We Finally Outsmarting the MRSA Superbug?

Are We Finally Outsmarting the MRSA Superbug?

Are We Finally Outsmarting the MRSA Superbug?


Study Highlights Decrease in Drug-Resistant Staph Infections in and out of Hospitals

July 3, 2012 -- Rates of drug-resistant staph infections seem to be on the decline in the community at large as well as in hospitals and nursing homes.

A new study of more than 9 million military personnel showed that rates of both community- and hospital-acquired MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) blood infections decreased from 2005 to 2010. The proportion of community-acquired MRSA-related skin and soft tissue infections peaked in 2006 at 62%, and then declined to 52% in 2010.

Rates of another "super bug," MSSA (methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus) infections, also declined during the five-year study.

The findings appear in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

"This is a very good news story," says researcher Clinton K. Murray, MD. He is an infectious disease specialist with the San Antonio Military Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Researchers don't know precisely why MRSA and MSSA infections are going down. "Some may be due to infection control measures in hospitals and better use of antibiotics," he says.

But outside experts caution that these infections remain a serious threat to our health, and we can't afford to let our guard down now.

What Is MRSA?


MRSA is spread through direct contact. This includes touching an infected person or objects that have the bacteria on them. MSSA is spread in a similar fashion.

MRSA is carried by about 1.5% of the U.S. population, although they aren't infected. People at risk for MRSA infections include people who have weakened immune systems and are in hospitals, nursing homes, and other heath care centers. These infections can appear around surgical wounds or implanted devices such as feeding tubes.

MRSA can also be found in healthy people in the community. Community-acquired MRSA infection often begins as a painful pimple or boil that resembles a bug bite.

"Hospitals' and nursing homes' increased focus on infection prevention may have helped decrease the burden of these infections," says Donna Armellino, a registered nurse and the vice president of infection prevention at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in Great Neck, N.Y.

These measures may have spilled over into the community, she says. "There is more awareness and a greater focus on hand hygiene and infection control."
SHARE
RELATED POSTS on "Health & Medical"
Symptoms & Treatments For a Rosacea Problem
Symptoms & Treatments For a Rosacea Problem
What Skin Type Do You Have?
What Skin Type Do You Have?
Learn How to Choose the Best Facial Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin
Learn How to Choose the Best Facial Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin
Battle With Those Signs of Age With The Help of Anti-Aging Products
Battle With Those Signs of Age With The Help of Anti-Aging Products
Vibradermabrasion Vs Microdermabrasion
Vibradermabrasion Vs Microdermabrasion
Does Trilastin Work? Discover the Answers Here
Does Trilastin Work? Discover the Answers Here
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks - Natural and Cosmetic Treatments
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks - Natural and Cosmetic Treatments
The Best Acne Treatment Products Available On The Market
The Best Acne Treatment Products Available On The Market
Natural Skin Care - Your Best Bet to Achieving Healthy and Beautiful Looking Skin
Natural Skin Care - Your Best Bet to Achieving Healthy and Beautiful Looking Skin
Have You Ever Imagined What a Collagen Increase Would Do For Your Wrinkles
Have You Ever Imagined What a Collagen Increase Would Do For Your Wrinkles
The Quest For Growth Eyelashes
The Quest For Growth Eyelashes
Top 5 Proven Ingredients All Facial Moisturizers and Facial Creams Should Contain
Top 5 Proven Ingredients All Facial Moisturizers and Facial Creams Should Contain
Things to Look For in Anti Aging Natural Skin Care Products - A Checklist
Things to Look For in Anti Aging Natural Skin Care Products - A Checklist
Natural Skin Peeling - Make Your Skin Beautiful By Using a Natural Clay Mask
Natural Skin Peeling - Make Your Skin Beautiful By Using a Natural Clay Mask
How Useful Is Aloe Vera Gel In Fighting Acne Breakouts?
How Useful Is Aloe Vera Gel In Fighting Acne Breakouts?
Beauty Secrets That Should Be Revealed
Beauty Secrets That Should Be Revealed
Mole Removal Creams
Mole Removal Creams
Water - The Secret Ingredient of Acne Treatments
Water - The Secret Ingredient of Acne Treatments
About Adult Acne
About Adult Acne
Give Yourself the Best and Healthy Skin
Give Yourself the Best and Healthy Skin
Shingles-Other Treatment
Shingles-Other Treatment
How Does Body Produce Collagen?Be the First to Read What the Experts Are Saying
How Does Body Produce Collagen?Be the First to Read What the Experts Are Saying
3 Ingredients Only the Top Natural Skin Care Products Have
3 Ingredients Only the Top Natural Skin Care Products Have
Here's the definition of a pannier as it applies to a bicycle.
Here's the definition of a pannier as it applies to a bicycle.

Leave Your Reply

*