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• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to as MRSA, is a type of staphylococcus bacteria that does not respond to many antibiotics. MRSA infection is spread from person to person through casual contact and by contaminated objects. A person with a weak immune system is easily susceptible to this bacterial infection. MSRA can become serious in a short amount of time.

  
  In February 2009 Chukuka S. Enwemeka, PhD, and colleagues at New York Institute of Technology discovered that MRSA dies when exposed to blue light. The team used a special LED device that emits blue light that is not part of the ultraviolet spectrum in order to make it safe for human exposure. Relatively low doses were able to kill at least 30 percent of MRSA is laboratory cultures. It is currently not known how blue light has the ability to kill MRSA or if the bacteria is able to build up a resistance to it.WebMD: Blue Light Kills MRSA (February 4, 2009)

• Fast Facts:

  1. Commonly termed a Superbug
  2. 1961: first MRSA discovered in UKWebMD: Understanding MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
  3. 2.5 million carry MRSA in USNetDoctor: 'Up to 53 million people' could carry MRSA
  4. Resistant to antibiotics called beta-lactams
  5. Often confused with a spider biteCHCS: The NP Answers Your FAQ: Is This a Spider Bite….Or MRSA?
  6. Symptoms: red bumps that resemble pimples, boils and spider bitesMayoClinic: MRSA infection- Symptoms
  7. Can burrow deep into the body affecting bone, joints, surgical wounds, bloodstream, heart valves and lungs
  8. Treatment: the antibiotic vancomycin and draining the abscessummedu: MRSA - Treatment
  9. Prevention: Wash hands, don't share personal items, keep wounds coveredWebMD: Understanding MRSA Prevention

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  MRSA Symptoms | Gay MRSA Outbreak | Superbug | Antibiotic Resistance | Antibiotics | Cellulitis | Endocarditis | Pneumonia| How to Treat a Boil

  Disclaimer: The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have MRSA - Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, please consult your doctor.

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