Mercer Disease is a name coined from the acronym MRSA, which stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. MRSA is a type of bacteria that forms part of the staphylococcus or ‘Staph’ family and can be spread by physical contact or touching an infected surface.
Staphylococcus bacteria are carried harmlessly in the noses or on the skin of about one third of the population. They are harmless whilst on the surface of the skin, but if they enter the body, they cause problems. Most staphylococcal infections are minor - they cause pimples and boils and can often be cured without antibiotics.
MRSA infection usually starts off with small red bumps, which can fairly quickly turn into deep abscesses. Because they cannot be stopped by Methicillin and the usual antibiotics, they can then enter the body and may have lethal consequences, attacking the immune system and engulfing white blood cells.
Because of its antibiotic resistant characteristics, MRSA has been called a ‘Superbug’. Before the 1990s, hospitals rarely reported cases of it but I in recent years, though, it seems to have mutated and built up resistance, possibly through the overuse of antibiotics for minor ailments.
There are some antibiotics, such as Vancomycin that are effective against MRSA, but as the bacterium continues to mutate, fewer and fewer of these seem to work. In many cases now, treatment does not involve drugs. Instead, abscesses are drained and left to heal.
Those most at risk have weak immune systems, such as young children, the elderly and hospital patients in particular. Also vulnerable are sportsmen and women who may have injuries or use group facilities and equipment, anyone who shares towels and clothing, and people living in deprived conditions.
Hygiene measures such as hand washing help to prevent the spread of MRSA and are very important in the case of hospital staff. Showers should be taken after contact sports such as rugby, cuts and open wounds need to be cleaned and covered, and the bed sheets of infected people should be washed in hot water.
Importantly, antibiotics should never be overused. Where antibiotics have been prescribed, the entire course must be taken.
MRSA or Mercer Disease can turn into a serious condition in people with compromised immune systems, so it is always wise to seek the help and advice of a doctor or nurse if you are at all unsure.
Staphylococcus bacteria are carried harmlessly in the noses or on the skin of about one third of the population. They are harmless whilst on the surface of the skin, but if they enter the body, they cause problems. Most staphylococcal infections are minor - they cause pimples and boils and can often be cured without antibiotics.
MRSA infection usually starts off with small red bumps, which can fairly quickly turn into deep abscesses. Because they cannot be stopped by Methicillin and the usual antibiotics, they can then enter the body and may have lethal consequences, attacking the immune system and engulfing white blood cells.
Because of its antibiotic resistant characteristics, MRSA has been called a ‘Superbug’. Before the 1990s, hospitals rarely reported cases of it but I in recent years, though, it seems to have mutated and built up resistance, possibly through the overuse of antibiotics for minor ailments.
There are some antibiotics, such as Vancomycin that are effective against MRSA, but as the bacterium continues to mutate, fewer and fewer of these seem to work. In many cases now, treatment does not involve drugs. Instead, abscesses are drained and left to heal.
Those most at risk have weak immune systems, such as young children, the elderly and hospital patients in particular. Also vulnerable are sportsmen and women who may have injuries or use group facilities and equipment, anyone who shares towels and clothing, and people living in deprived conditions.
Hygiene measures such as hand washing help to prevent the spread of MRSA and are very important in the case of hospital staff. Showers should be taken after contact sports such as rugby, cuts and open wounds need to be cleaned and covered, and the bed sheets of infected people should be washed in hot water.
Importantly, antibiotics should never be overused. Where antibiotics have been prescribed, the entire course must be taken.
MRSA or Mercer Disease can turn into a serious condition in people with compromised immune systems, so it is always wise to seek the help and advice of a doctor or nurse if you are at all unsure.
