Abstract

MY STERIES OF MRSA

*Ms. Latha J, Dr. S. Umamaheswari, Dr. P. Rajendran

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus are gram-positive cocci causing infections in humans. The pathogenesis is mediated by extracellular enzymes and toxins. In recent times there is evolution of antibiotic resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, among which methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is of primary concern. These strains are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics and other groups of antimicrobial agents which were the mainstream line treatment for Staphylococcus aureus earlier. MRSA infections were generally perceived to cause post-operative infections in health-care centres. But in recent times these strains are seen in community as well causing skin and soft tissue infections. There is a migration of hospital strains into the community and community strains into the hospital causing a two-way flow of MRSA. MRSA has reached epidemic proportions in last few decades. The Center for disease prevention and control estimates an annual death to be more than 17, 000 in the United States. A survelliance study conducted in India showed results consistent with data published elsewhere in the world. Rapid identification and characterization of MRSA strains is essential to reduce mortality, morbidity and cost of treatment. Active survelliance programs and other infection control measures help in preventing cross-transmission and spread of the infection in the hospital and community at large.

Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus are gram-positive cocci causing infections in humans. The pathogenesis is mediated by extracellular enzymes and toxins. In recent times there is evolution of antibiotic resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, among which methicil