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Article: Outbreak of skin infections sheds light on risk factors for bacterial resistance.
- Article from:
- TB & Outbreaks Week
- Article date:
- May 11, 2004
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2004 MAY 11 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Scientists identify two major risk factors for community-acquired skin infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a report: previous antibiotic use and a genetic predisposition.
S. aureus is a common bacterium found on human nasal mucous membranes and skin, and strains that are resistant to methicillin can cause disease. Until recently drug-resistant strains were considered to be acquired almost exclusively in hospital settings, but reports of MRSA acquired in the community are increasing, and are most often associated with skin and soft-tissue infections such as furunculosis and ...