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MRSA strain kills two in hospital MRSA strain kills two in hospital
(6 minutes later)
A strain of MRSA that has never caused deaths in hospitals has killed two people, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).A strain of MRSA that has never caused deaths in hospitals has killed two people, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
After a healthcare worker died in September, it emerged that a form of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) MRSA had also claimed a patient's life.After a healthcare worker died in September, it emerged that a form of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) MRSA had also claimed a patient's life.
The strain attacks white blood cells and sufferers cannot fight infection.The strain attacks white blood cells and sufferers cannot fight infection.
Six other people have also contracted the strain at University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent. Six others also contracted the strain in the outbreak at University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent.
Hospital-associated strains of MRSA, which are more commonly known and do not produce PVL, normally affect more elderly hospitalised patients. Of these, two developed symptoms of infection.
The HPA said the PVL strain has been seen in the UK before. Hospital-associated strains of MRSA normally affect more elderly hospitalised patients.
But the PVL strain affects young and otherwise healthy people.
The HPA said the PVL strain has been seen in the UK before - but usually in the community.
There were 13 cases of this strain of PVL positive MRSA (PVL+MRSA) in England and Wales in the community in 2005, but all were skin and soft-tissue infections.There were 13 cases of this strain of PVL positive MRSA (PVL+MRSA) in England and Wales in the community in 2005, but all were skin and soft-tissue infections.
There have also been five deaths linked to other forms of PVL+ MRSA in the UK over the last two years.There have also been five deaths linked to other forms of PVL+ MRSA in the UK over the last two years.
Marine Richard Campbell-Smith, 18, cut a leg in training and died after becoming infected with a form of PVL in 2004.Marine Richard Campbell-Smith, 18, cut a leg in training and died after becoming infected with a form of PVL in 2004.
A 28-year-old woman also died from a form of the infection after picking up the bug in her local gym.A 28-year-old woman also died from a form of the infection after picking up the bug in her local gym.
'First time''First time'
In a statement, the HPA said: "PVL-producing strains of MRSA have been seen in the UK before - however, the small numbers of cases reported have usually been in the community rather than a hospital setting.In a statement, the HPA said: "PVL-producing strains of MRSA have been seen in the UK before - however, the small numbers of cases reported have usually been in the community rather than a hospital setting.
"This outbreak is the first time transmission and deaths due to this strain are known to have occurred in a healthcare setting in England and Wales.""This outbreak is the first time transmission and deaths due to this strain are known to have occurred in a healthcare setting in England and Wales."
The agency identified those affected as being "among individuals in a hospital and their close household contacts in the West Midlands".The agency identified those affected as being "among individuals in a hospital and their close household contacts in the West Midlands".
The agency only covers England and Wales.The agency only covers England and Wales.
Dr Angela Kearns, an MRSA expert with the HPA, said: "When people contract PVL-producing strains of MRSA, they usually experience a skin infection such as a boil or abscess.Dr Angela Kearns, an MRSA expert with the HPA, said: "When people contract PVL-producing strains of MRSA, they usually experience a skin infection such as a boil or abscess.
"Most infections can be treated successfully with everyday antibiotics but occasionally a more severe infection may occur."Most infections can be treated successfully with everyday antibiotics but occasionally a more severe infection may occur.
"The HPA is advising the hospital on outbreak control measures, and will continue to monitor MRSA infection nationally.""The HPA is advising the hospital on outbreak control measures, and will continue to monitor MRSA infection nationally."
The PVL toxin is carried by less than 2% of the bacteria responsible for MRSA.
It normally causes pus-producing skin infections, such as abscesses or boils.
However, it can cause more severe invasive infections such as septic arthritis, blood poisoning or a form of pneumonia.