Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA)
By: Tom Hardacker
Introduction
Staphylococcus aureus is a circular, anaerobic, Gram-positive bacterium that is prevalent in the nose and skin of most individuals. While the majority of individuals who are colonized by S. aureus are simply carriers, this organism can cause a wide array of illnesses. Infections can range from mild skin irritation to more serious conditions such as endocarditis (inflammation of the inner heart), meningitis, pneumonia and Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), among others. Infections by S. aureus can also be prevalent in post-surgical wounds and due to the overuse of antibiotics; certain strains of this organism have become resistant to common treatments. For these reasons, certain strains of this organism have become increasingly problematic in hospitals and healthcare settings, as well as the general community.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain of S. aureus that exhibits resistance to the β-lactam antibiotic methicillin (as well as other β-lactams), a common treatment for these infections. MRSA infections can be classified into two major groups: Hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) and Community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA). HA-MRSA is responsible for post-operative wound infections, or infections resulting from implanted devices such as catheters, that are acquired within the healthcare setting. Typically, patients infected with HA-MRSA are immune-compromised and the resulting infections are generally more invasive. CA-MRSA typically manifests itself as skin infections, such as pimples or boils, and is classified as being acquired outside of any type of healthcare setting. These infections are typically more serious than minor skin irritation and affect otherwise healthy individuals. This article will focus on the latter form of MRSA (an in-depth article regarding HA-MRSA can be found here).
Section 1
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Section 2
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Section 3
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Conclusion
Overall paper length should be 3,000 words, with at least 3 figures.
References
Edited by student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 238 Microbiology, 2009, Kenyon College.
