The acquisition of antibiotic resistance as of that found in MRSA, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is what keeps the infection prevalent in hospitals across the globe. This universal “super bug” is characterized by its resistance to all penicillins, one of only a few defenses against bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance was conferred to MRSA by the acquisition of a mecA gene which produces a penicillin binding protein allowing the bacteria to synthesise a cell wall even in the presence of methicillin, thus overcoming the usually detrimental effects of the antibiotic .Staphylococcus aureus is a gram positive coccus that can occur as normal flora on the skin and in the nose of healthy individuals, but can cause opportunistic infections if certain barriers are crossed. A study undertaken by S. P. Cordova and colleagues aimed to collect and interpret data relating to MRSA bacteraemia from five Western Australian teaching hospitals over a two year period. The study highlights risk factors associated with infection and appropriate use of antibiotics in treating infection. MRSA is a problem in our hospitals and needs to be controlled to prevent morbidity, mortality and the acquisition of further resistance to antibiotics that can still be used, such as vancomyocin.
Reference: http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.library.uq.edu.au/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WJP-4B5BBSW-3&_user=331728&_coverDate=01%2F31%2F2004&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000016898&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=331728&md5=10d9af9687e81f6a5916d700225b88af
(date accessed: 02/10/07)
Written by student 41210802
