Maryland Pathogen Research Institute

Pathogen News archives:
From 10/07: Spread of Superbugs
MRSA: Antibiotic-resistant Staph Infection
News of the recent death of a high school student in southern Virginia has brought public attention to a serious infectious bacteria, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. MRSA is a bacterium that does not respond to certain antibiotics. Most staphylococcal bacteria are very common and can colonize in the nose, throat and skin without causing infection. But if it gets into the body, typically through a cut or scrape, it can cause potentially serious infections.

In the past, these staph infections were readily treatable with beta-lactam antibiotics, such as Methicillin and Penicillin. This family of antibiotics kills certain types of bacteria by interfering with cell wall synthesis as the organisms divide. However, bacteria can often multiply very quickly and mutate to adapt to harsh surroundings. MRSA is an example of a pathogen, or infectious disease-causing agent, that has acquired the ability to resist the standard antibiotic resistance, which has become a worrisome public health issue nationwide. Basic research to study “superbug” pathogens is ongoing at the Maryland Pathogen Research Institute.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vigorous and frequent hand-washing as the most effective way to stop MRSA transmission.