Science Bulletins: MRSA—The Evolution of a Drug-Resistant Superbug

The human body is a diverse bacterial ecosystem. Humans are hosts to trillions of microbes, most of which are harmless or even beneficial. But a new study shows how one bacterium traveled from humans to farm animals and back to humans, developing resistance to antibiotics along the way. Staph infections in humans are usually treatable, but this new strain, called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), does not respond to antibiotics. Researchers found that it developed resistance while in farm animal hosts, through exposure to high level of antibiotics in their diet. Identifying the evolutionary processes of disease agents that transfer between species may help scientists determine how to prevent and treat emerging diseases.

Related Links:

Staphylococcus aureus CC398: Host Adaptation and Emergence of Methicillin Resistance in Livestock

PubMed Health: MRSA

CDC: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infections

US Food and Drug Administration

New York Times: Steps Set for Livestock Antibiotic Ban

[kenjboyd]

This may be a relatively old video, but I do believe it is accurate as to the origins of this increasingly serious disease.

[brillig]

I like the topics for these videos, but would be more likely to watch them if they were narrated.

[TheTrueMorningStar]

What we need is a virus which is genetically modified to hunt the decease causing bacteria. Currently there are regulatory issues and problems with the way treatments are tested for human use but some companies have moved offshore to get around these issues. One of these facilities may have a cure or be working on one already.

[ihatetheparty]

The U.S. Center for Disease Control needs a Dept. of Bacteriophage Research which connects with experienced Russians (Tiblisi, Georgia). The correct bacteriophage can KILL ANY BACTERIA KNOWN TO MAN! And the Russians used these medicines effectively while fighting Germans in WW2, defeating many infections while the Germans only had sulfa drugs.

[djdedan]

Or we can ignore evolution and die off... funny how that works.

[kingjongun]

Praise the HOLY LORD, FORGIVE THO NOT SHALT FOLLOW CHIRISTANTIY FAITH, THIS IS NOT A BACTERIAL INFECTION INFACT IT IS THE DEVIL- signing off from Pope Francis 17th