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Merca staph infection or MRSA is a bacteria that causes severe infection both internally and externally. It is also known as multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or oxacillin-resistant Staph Aureus. The peculiarity of this kind of Staph bacteria is that it is immune to a whole host of antibiotics called beta-lactams, which are the common antibiotics in use, such as penicillins and the cephalosporins. Misuse of these antibiotics brought forth the Merca staph infection resistant strain.

Since treatment requires completion of perscribed medication, many who see the infection subside stop taking the antibiotics, which allows the bacteria to adapt, survive and thrive in the body making it further immune and resistant to other medication.

Merca staph infections were first found in hospital and health care settings. In these environments in particular, patients with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to Merca staph infections compared to the general populace.

The combination of overuse of antibiotics and the improper practice of sanitary procedures have led to this so-called “superbug”. The bacteria is spread via skin contact where an individual can become both a sufferer and carrier of the dreaded bacteria.

Over time, the bacteria was able to spread from the healthcare setting to the general community setting. Here, MRSA bacteria was sub-categorized into the CA-MRSA or community acquired MRSA and the HA-MRSA or the health care associated MRSA. Merca staph infections especially within the general population are a primary concern for medical organisations and governing bodies, particularly in the US where they are becoming more and more prevelant.

The main difference between the two is that the CA-MRSA presents itself in individuals that have not been subjected or exposed to hospital settings or have not had any recent surgery.

Over time, methicillin resistant staph aureus has mutated to become more pernicious in its infectious capacity which has led to it becoming the most common cause of skin infections in urban areas.

The spread though of Merca staph infections was thought to be controlled through the use of biocides. These bacteria killing chemicals are often available as disinfectants and antiseptics. Often these chemicals are used to clean surfaces and utensils.

Medical instruments and equipment are sterilized, and skin is decontaminated before each surgical procedure via handwashing in anti bacterial liquid soaps.

As a result of the continual and prolonged use of such anti bacterial cleaners, liquid soaps and disinfectants, certain strains of MRSA have further mutated and increased their level of resistance making them even harder to fight.

Another factor which led to the spread of the disease was the high occupancy rates of the hospitals, the high use of temporary nursing help and poor sanitary conditions that have contributed to the increasing Merca staph infections rate.

There is hope though in the treatment of Merca staph infections. The newer and more potent antibiotics such as vancomycin, tecoplanin and glycopeptide antibiotics are now being used to effectively combat the spread of the infection caused by this bacteria.

For greater effectiveness, many antibiotics are now administered via intravenous means for effectiveness due to the low absorption rate of oral ingestion. Even with these medications, such treatments have borne forth newer strains of resistant staphylococcus strains. The newer strains are called vancomycin intermediate resistant Staphylococcus Aureus or VISA. The medical community though has discovered newer antibiotics called platensimycin to combat both VISA and MRSA. This makes for a promising future in combatting the ill effects of Merca staph infections.

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