New Superbug Research Reveals Why Community-Acquired MRSA is So Virulent
Posted on November 15, 2007
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Researchers studying the surging epidemic of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA) infections in our communities have discovered that the bacteria have developed the ability to eliminate our natural immune system defenses. A peptide secreted by community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) dissolves white blood cells called neutrophils, our primary defense against bacterial infection, according to the study published this week in Nature Medicine.
CA-MRSA is more virulent than hospital-acquired strains because it produces far more of the white blood cell defeating peptides. It can cause debilitating disease and death in even the most healthy individuals.
The dangers of CA-MRSA gained national attention last month when four children succumbed to the illness in the United States. The growing epidemic has also been witnessed in American emergency rooms, where the majority of ER visits due to infections are caused by CA-MRSA.
While the research published in Nature Medicine does not have immediate implications for the treatment of MRSA, it may open new avenues of research into prevention and infection control. New treatments are essential, since CA-MRSA resists treatment by all but a few antibiotics and there is no guarantee that those drugs will continue to be effective.
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