Understanding MRSA. 1. MRSA: An Overview The Rise of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections MRSA Infections Are Increasing 30 Among Teenagers

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1 CONTENTS Foreword 8 Introduction 10 CHAPTER 1 Understanding MRSA 1. MRSA: An Overview 16 Brian Hoyle Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is the bacterium that causes a potentially fatal staph infection that cannot be killed by commonly used antibiotics. Staph is normally present in the environment and usually remains harmless unless a drug-resistant form of it invades a wound or enters the body of a person with a compromised immune system. 2. The Rise of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections 24 Mary Quirk The discovery of antibiotics in the middle of the twentieth century heralded an era of miracle drugs that prevented illness and death from bacterial diseases; however, widespread use of these drugs eventually led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. 3. MRSA Infections Are Increasing 30 Among Teenagers Denise Rinaldo A growing number of teenagers across the United States are developing MRSA infections. Many of them

2 are athletes, who are frequently in close contact with others. Equipment sharing and minor cuts and scrapes allow MRSA bacteria to enter the body and cause infection. 4. The Search for a MRSA Vaccine 36 University of Chicago Medical Center Two recent studies of staph infections in mice suggest that a vaccine for MRSA is possible. One potential vaccine could help destroy the bacteria s ability to evade the immune system, while another might counteract the germ s tissue-damaging mechanism. CHAPTER 2 Controversies Concerning MRSA 1. Overuse of Antibiotics on Factory Farms Has 43 Allowed MRSA to Enter the Food Supply Ian Lordon The increase in MRSA infections over the past two decades corresponds with the transformation in meat production from small family farms to large factory farms. Cattle, pigs, and other livestock are given antibiotics as feed additives, resulting in the growth of antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria in the food supply and a higher rate of infectious illness. 2. The Presence of MRSA in Farm Animals 53 Is Not Proven to Cause MRSA Infections in Humans Cliff Gauldin MRSA has become more prevalent in pigs, and pork producers have a higher incidence of MRSA on their skin and in their nasal passages. Neither of these factors, however, bears any connection to an increase in MRSA-related infectious illnesses. There is no evidence that antibiotic use is responsible for the presence of MRSA in livestock.

3 3. Scientists Need to Investigate the Potential 59 MRSA Threat from Bedbugs US Senate Office of Sherrod Brown Following a report out of Vancouver, Canada, about bedbugs infected with MRSA, US senator Sherrod Brown asks the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the public health implications of such a discovery. 4. There Is No Evidence That Bedbugs 64 Can Transmit MRSA Marissa Cevallos There is no proof that humans can contract MRSA from bedbugs. Scientists confirm that bedbugs carry several viruses, bacteria, and parasites, but there is no evidence that the bugs can spread these disease agents to humans. 5. MRSA Spreads Quickly Through 68 Homosexual Activity Matthew Cullinan Hoffman MRSA infections are much more prevalent among homosexual men than in the general population. High-risk behaviors, including anal intercourse, sex with multiple partners, and illicit drug use, have contributed to the spread of a virulent form of MRSA among homosexual men in urban areas. 6. Homosexual Activity Is Not a Primary Cause 72 of the Spread of MRSA Tim Murphy Reports of a higher incidence of MRSA among gay men led to a homophobic backlash among right-wing groups and in the media. Because sex involves skinto-skin contact, MRSA can be spread through gay or straight sexual activity. The infection is more frequently

4 seen in hospital settings and among athletes in nonsexual contexts. 7. Hospitals Should Screen Patients for MRSA 78 Meg Haskell Hospitals should be required to conduct a test to determine whether incoming high-risk patients have MRSA infections or are carriers of the MRSA bacteria. Once identified, these people should be isolated from other patients and treated. 8. Hospital Screening Does Not Reduce 84 MRSA Infections Dennis O Brien A research report in the Journal of the American Medical Association concludes that MRSA infection rates in hospitals where patients were prescreened for the bacteria are no different from infection rates in hospitals without such screening. 9. Hand Sanitizers Are Not Proven to 89 Prevent MRSA Infections US Food and Drug Administration Consumers should not believe claims that antiseptic hand sanitizers can prevent MRSA infections. The best way to control the spread of MRSA is to wash hands frequently at least twenty seconds at a time with soap and warm water. CHAPTER 3 Personal Experiences with MRSA 1. Facing Leg Amputation Because of MRSA 95 Judith Izenstain This author needed to have a plate put in her leg after breaking a bone. She ended up with a MRSA infection, which led to septicemia and pneumonia. Even after several years, her leg never healed properly, and she now faces amputation.

5 2. A Skin Boil Turns into Flesh-Eating Disease 98 Andrew Chant A thirty-year-old diabetic noticed an ingrown hair follicle on his leg that turned into a painful boil. He soon developed gas gangrene stemming from necrotizing fasciitis and underwent eight surgeries to remove dead tissue. He reassures readers that it is possible to survive such a serious infection. 3. A Woman Recounts Her Husband s 103 MRSA Scare Christina Jones The author describes the confusing and frightening process involved in finding the correct diagnosis for her husband s MRSA infection which had originally been diagnosed as a spider bite. Glossary 110 Chronology 112 Organizations to Contact 114 For Further Reading 118 Index 122

Today s Agenda: 9/30/14

Today s Agenda: 9/30/14 1. Students will take C List Medical Abbreviation Quiz. 2. TO: Discuss MRSA. MRSA MRSA Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus What