Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was first discovered in 1960. MRSA refers to the strains of Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria) which are resistant to antibiotic Methicillin. MRSA is also recognized as the most common and significant cause of nosocomial infections and high morbidity and mortality among patients. The MRSA infections that occur in health care settings, referred to as hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA).
MRSA Top Facts
- Also commonly called “superbug”
- Identified as a difficult-to-treat infection associated with a significant rate of morbidity and mortality
- Plenty of healthy people are the asymptomatic carrier of MRSA
- This multidrug-resistant bacterial strain can survive on surfaces under extreme environmental conditions for several days to several months
- MRSA infection is transmitted easily through direct contact with contaminated skin (wounds, cuts, or abrasions). But, MRSA can also be transmitted via aerosols, droplets, or direct contact with surfaces
- Severe MRSA infection can lead to fatal complications
Also Read: Top 5 Facts about E. Coli
Pathogenesis of MRSA Infection
Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P) is both a human commensal organism and an opportunistic pathogen that can even lead to fatal complications. Staphylococcus aureus colonizes anterior nares for prolonged durations and are usually harmless.
Five stages of Staphylococcus aureus are,
1. Colonization
2. Local infection
3. Systemic dissemination sepsis
4. Metastatic infections and
5. Toxinosis.
Among Staphylococcus infections, MRSA strains are reported to pose life-threatening risks.
Major trigger factors responsible for acquiring MRSA infections include prolonged hospitalization, debilitated immune system, exposure to antibiotics, close contact with patients with MRSA colonization, and use of infected medical equipment. Infection begins with small bumps in the skin that can later turn into painful abscesses. Localized skin infections of S. aureus relatively do not lead to serious complications. However, if Staphylococcus infections enter the bloodstream, it can cause severe clinical manifestations such as septicemia (blood poisoning), endocarditis, and inflammatory destruction of joints and bones (septic arthritis and osteomyelitis).
Preventions and Tips to control MRSA infection
- Clean hands with soap and sanitize with an alcohol-based sanitizer before and after coming in contact with patients
- Don’t touch or prick the open wounds
- Do not share personal care items such as towels, razors, skincare products, washcloths, and clothing
- Make sure to keep the wounds clean and cover them with sterile gauze
- Ensure proper sanitization of hospital rooms and medical equipments
Also Read: Antimicrobial vs Antibacterial: What is the Difference?
Use of MRSA (ATCC 6538P) Microorganism at MIS lab
The increasing prevalence of MRSA infections worldwide has overwhelmed the healthcare systems. It is very important to follow more robust and reliable preventive measures to control the spread of infection and associated morbidity rates.
With a view to this, bacteriostatic and bactericidal finishes are developed to provide protection against Staphylococcus aureus infections. Such antibacterial finishes are impregnated in a multitude of things used at homes, health care settings, and other infection-prone areas.
At Microbe Investigations (MIS), we perform antibacterial efficacy testing for a wide product category including treated textiles, plastic, coating materials, and disinfectants.
We use, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P) strain along with other medically important test organisms while performing the following antibacterial efficacy test methods such as ASTM E2180, ISO 846, EN 1276, ISO 22196, and ISO 20743.
Also, S. aureus (ATCC 6538P) strain is also used in our lab for performing the antibacterial susceptibility tests namely Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Zone of Inhibition (ZOI).
To get a quote or more information on our antimicrobial product testing services, contact us here now.
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