MRSA, an acronym from medical term Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in short called ‘mursa’, is a bacteria that is resistant to anti-biotic. It has, over the years, evolved an ability to survive treatment with beta-lactamase resistant which is why this is considered to be a difficult-to-treat infection in humans.
The bacterial strains caused by Staphylococcus aureus can produce proteolytic enzymes, enterotoxins, a protein that causes vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases shock, exfoliative toxins, protein that causes skin disruption, blisters and exotoxin TSST-1, protein that cause toxic shock syndrome. MRSA is suspected on patients who indicate fever, chills, low blood pressure, weakness and mental deterioration, specially while their being treated with anti-biotic.
Who is at risk?
It is safe to say that everyone is at risk from MRSA. Why?
MRSA can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with affected people to unaffected individuals. Direct transmission can happen through skin and body fluids, while indirect transmission can happen through towels, diapers and toys to name a few ways. Some individuals may have MRSA carried in their bodies, through their skins, throat or nose unknowingly as no symptoms may appear. These people are carriers of the bacteria in ways described above and can transmit MRSA to others.
Who can transmit? Practically anyone, anywhere! This is the concern with MRSA. Even when you go to your local hospital, you’re at a risk of MRSA been transmitted.. Any sort of direct or indirect contact is all it needs to transmit the bacterium. This could mean through contact sports, sharing beds or living in dormitories or any such activity or way of life that involves contact with others.
Most sensitive to the infection are those who have a weaker immune system, such as very old or very young. Those who may have conditions that suppress immune system functions, such as cancer or HIV are at a great risk as they are already under medication and with a low strength immune system. These patients are required to be extra careful as they will have the added disadvantage of finding it more difficult to fight the bacterium than a normal healthy human.
