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What is MRSA?
MRSA is an infection caused by a group of bacteria called staphylococcus
aureus. There are many different types of staphylococcus aureus.
These bacteria are usually found on the skin and are often responsible
for pimples and boils.
MRSA is a particular type or ‘strain’ of staphylococcus
aureus that does not respond (is resistant) to many antibiotics. These
antibiotics include methicillin, which is a type of penicillin. So
the letters MRSA stand for 'Methicillin Resistant
Staphylococcus Aureus’.
MRSA was first seen in several countries the 1960s.
With increasing use of antibiotics, new strains of MRSA have developed
over the past 20 years.
These new resistant strains can develop because some bacteria may
not be destroyed by a course of antibiotics due to having particular
characterists that protect them from the antibiotic. These bacteria
then grow and divide in the body to produce a strain that is resistant
to the antibiotic treatment.
If antibiotics are used too often and inapropriately, it becomes
more likely that bacteria will adapt to them and become resistant.
Related links:
MersaDerm™ Natural Lesion Relief
MRSA - Staph Infection and Medical Resouces and Information
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