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Environmental Health
CA-MRSA: Here Comes Another Super Strain Threat
Date: 21/05/09
We barely survived the a-porkalypse of the swine flu and before we can come up for air there is a new threat of a new strain of MRSA.
Bigger. Better. Faster.
According to the latest news reports it is believed that this new strain of the antibiotic-resistant bacterium, known as CA- MRSA (community acquired MRSA) is becoming more widespread. Unlike MRSA and most other superbugs, CA-MRSA poses a significant risk outside hospitals. What’s worse is that experts reckon that the emergence of swine flu could intensify the problem, as CA-MRSA appears to strike people who are already ill with flu – causing those infected to develop a deadly pneumonia. MRSA infections can range from boils to more severe infections of the blood, lungs and sites of surgery.
A Bonnie and Clyde antibiotic-resistant bacterium
The potential threat of CA-MRSA is detailed in a study appearing in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases.
US researchers, from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, say death rates following infection may be higher than 50 per cent.
However, just how common infections are remains unknown.
The researchers said: "Community-acquired MRSA infections are no longer restricted to certain risk groups or to the geographic areas where outbreaks first occurred. They now occur widely both in the community as well as health care facilities and have been reported on every continent."
The facts in perspective
* CA-MRSA is an aggressive infection but reacts better to antibiotics than the usual (hospital-acquired) MRSA strain.
* Cases of pneumonia caused by CA-MRSA in the UK are still extremely rare.
* In the UK, only a tiny fraction of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria carries the relevant disease-causing toxin, know as PVL.
* In most cases those infected only suffered with minor infections, rather than pneumonia
It seems that for once we are almost safe on our little island. Dr Angela Kearnes, head of the Health Protection Agency’s (HPA) Staphylococcus aureus reference lab, said: "Although several other countries have encountered serious problems, it is important to note that these infections remain uncommon in the UK."
Something else to keep in mind is that the latest study is based on an analysis of two cases from the US. In both cases, the patients developed bacterial pneumonia, high fever and low blood pressure, and rapidly progressed to septic shock, a widespread infection that requires urgent medical attention.
Both patients made a full recovery.
Precautions
I know I am presenting this alert a bit tongue-in-the-cheek, but can you blame me? Of course, it would be unwise to ignore a fair warning (note: fair warning, not scare mongering). In these times, it has become extremely important to maintain a healthy immune system and to keep our environments clean and hygienic.
It makes perfect sense to start with the simple things, instead of running for the hills (again):
* Maintaining good basic hygiene: washing your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer to reduce the spread of germs from your hands to face, or to other people.
* Eat a healthy balanced diet: Make sure you get your 5 a day fresh fruit and vegetables and avoid highly processed foods.
* Exercise regularly and drink plenty of water to wash away any toxins in your body
* Boost your immune system with extra supplements like vitamin C & E, Coenzyme Q10 and Echinacea
* Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles, kitchen and bathroom surfaces) frequently and thoroughly using cleaning products. Or if you want to take it one step further and safeguard yourself by using a disinfectant UV light click here to learn more.
* Stay away from the workplace and seek medical advice, if you suffer flu-like symptoms. In order to minimise the risk of spreading disease to others, stay at home and call your healthcare provider for advice.
Sources:
‘Warning over new threat from MRSA’ published online 20.05.09, news.bbc.co.uk
‘Human Swine Influenza: Health & Safety Advice’ published online, arco.co.uk
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