Community still not ‘out of the clear’ for staph infections

With the continuous spread of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the community stay informed about ways that may decrease susceptibility. MRSA, an infection caused by a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics, has become more prevalent within communities.
MRSA bacteria can be found on the skin and in the noses of 30 percent of the population and can survive on inanimate objects or surfaces such as linen, sinks, floors and mops.
Chances of contracting MRSA are higher when overusing products that contain triclosan, a synthetic microbacterial agent. Although triclosan has been proven effective when used under appropriate conditions, the overuse of triclosan is becoming a major health issue.
Based on a research article by Aviva Glaser with Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pestisides, triclosan kills normal bacteria, creating an environment in which bacteria that are resistant to triclosan are more likely to survive and reproduce.
According to CDCP, MRSA has become resistant to certain antibiotics such as methicillin, oaxcillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. Scientists are worried that the overuse of triclosan, which is found in many antibacterial products, will cause other bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics as well.
“Antibacterials are similar to antibiotics in that they both inhibit bacterial growth. But while the purpose of antibiotics is to cure disease, the purpose of antibacterials are to prevent transmission of disease-causing micro-organisms,” says Glaser in a research paper completed for Beyond Pesticides.
Consumers should realize that triclosan is not the only chemical to be mindful of when searching for products. Triclosan takes on many names: Irgasan DP-300, Microban, Lexol 300, Ster-Zac, Cloxifenolum and Biofresh.
Specialists believe that the best way to prevent infections is by using plain soap and water.
MRSA may appear as a skin infection such as a boil and may also appear as a pimple. It often causes areas around sores to look swollen, red, and painful or pus-filled. In addition, staph skin infections are often mistaken for spider bites.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. Although MRSA can be fatal, it is treatable with certain antibiotics.