What is MRSA? Methicillin-resistant Staph Aureus Infection

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection

Written by Dr Alan Johnson, clinical scientist

What is MRSA?

Staphylococcus aureus is a species of bacterium commonly found on the skin and/or in the noses of healthy people. Although it is usually harmless at these sites, it may occasionally get into the body (eg through breaks in the skin such as abrasions, cuts, wounds, surgical incisions or indwelling catheters) and cause infections. These infections may be mild (eg pimples or boils) or serious (eg infection of the bloodstream, bones or joints).

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to the antibacterial activity of methicillin and other related antibiotics of the penicillin class.

Outbreak: NDM-1 and MRSA are Deadly Emerging Superbugs

MSRA Image by judy_breck via Flickr

Outbreak was one of my favorite movies.  I read books like The Hot Zone in school and knew I was going to study Microbiology and become a microbiologist.  Viruses were my favorites.  I now focus more on business, but right now a relatively common Staph Aureus, is gaining notoriety by being anti-biotic resistant.  Being a microbiologist, I know there are deadly germs hanging around in hospitals in the US today.  Outbreaks have hit several states and an epidemic of MRSA is fast approaching in the next few years.  Anti-biotic resistant bacteria is a very deadly condition where many young people die from these infections. 

Currently, research has not fully grasped the medicines to fully combat these Superbugs.  FDA hurdles are preventing new research into the matter.  Additionally, there is decreased funding in Research and Development at major pharmaceutical companies during this economic downturn we have been experiencing. 

Globalization causes these bugs to spread all around the globe in a matter of hours.  Anyone can get infected, not know they are carrying the bacteria for a few days, get on an airplane, and arrive to your city, and spread the disease to every hospital in a matter of weeks.  More stories to come on Superbug Anti-Biotic Companies in Phase III clinical trials.

 

Outbreak Movie Image via Wikipedia

Eight Deadly Superbugs Lurking in Hospitals

Forest Labs Antibiotic Seems Effective FDA Notes Revealed

Image via Wikipedia FDA staff back safety, efficacy of ceftaroline

* Advisory panel to review drug on Tuesday
* Forest shares up 5.4 pct in afternoon
* Nearly $361 million in ceftaroline sales seen in 2014 (Revises first sentence, adds analyst comment, updates shares)
By Lisa Richwine

WASHINGTON, Sept 2 (Reuters) - A Forest Laboratories Inc (FRX.N) antibiotic appears effective with risks similar to current options, U.S. drug reviewers said in an analysis that raised hopes for the medicine's approval.

Shares of Forest, which needs new medicines to offset looming patent expirations on its major drugs, were up $1.49 or 5.4 percent at $29.14 on the New York Stock Exchange after the Food and Drug Administration released its preliminary review on Thursday.

Analysts expect nearly $361 million in sales in 2014 for the potential new antibiotic called ceftaroline, according to Thomson Reuters forecasts.