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Warning over new threat from MRSA Warning over new threat from MRSA
(about 1 hour later)
A new strain of MRSA seems to be triggering a deadly form of pneumonia in people who catch flu, experts say.A new strain of MRSA seems to be triggering a deadly form of pneumonia in people who catch flu, experts say.
Researchers believe the new strain of the antibiotic-resistant bacterium is becoming more widespread.Researchers believe the new strain of the antibiotic-resistant bacterium is becoming more widespread.
It is known as community acquired MRSA, (CA-MRSA) because, unlike most forms of the superbug, it poses a significant risk outside hospitals.It is known as community acquired MRSA, (CA-MRSA) because, unlike most forms of the superbug, it poses a significant risk outside hospitals.
The potential threat is detailed in a study appearing in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases.The potential threat is detailed in a study appearing in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases.
CA-MRSA pneumonia is particularly dangerous due to the rapid, aggressive nature of the infection Professor Mark EnrightImperial College London
The researchers, from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, say death rates following infection may be higher than 50%.The researchers, from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, say death rates following infection may be higher than 50%.
They warn the emergence of swine flu could intensify the problem, as CA-MRSA appears to strike people who are already ill with flu.They warn the emergence of swine flu could intensify the problem, as CA-MRSA appears to strike people who are already ill with flu.
However, the just how common infections are remains unknown.However, the just how common infections are remains unknown.
MRSA infections can range from boils to more severe infections of the blood, lungs and sites of surgery.MRSA infections can range from boils to more severe infections of the blood, lungs and sites of surgery.
Most occur in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or nursing homes.Most occur in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or nursing homes.
But the latest study warns that community-acquired cases are beginning to increase.But the latest study warns that community-acquired cases are beginning to increase.
Writing in the journal, the researchers said: "Community-acquired MRSA infections are no longer restricted to certain risk groups or to the geographic areas where outbreaks first occurred."Writing in the journal, the researchers said: "Community-acquired MRSA infections are no longer restricted to certain risk groups or to the geographic areas where outbreaks first occurred."
"They now occur widely both in the community as well as health care facilities and have been reported on every continent.""They now occur widely both in the community as well as health care facilities and have been reported on every continent."
Septic shockSeptic shock
The latest study is based on an analysis of two cases from the US.The latest study is based on an analysis of two cases from the US.
In both, the patients developed bacterial pneumonia, high fever and low blood pressure, and rapidly progressed to septic shock, a widespread infection that requires urgent medical attention.In both, the patients developed bacterial pneumonia, high fever and low blood pressure, and rapidly progressed to septic shock, a widespread infection that requires urgent medical attention.
They both made a full recovery.They both made a full recovery.
The reason why the bacterium appears so lethal remains unclear.The reason why the bacterium appears so lethal remains unclear.
It was thought to have emerged from Australia in the 1990s, but initially only triggered relatively trivial skin and soft tissue problems.It was thought to have emerged from Australia in the 1990s, but initially only triggered relatively trivial skin and soft tissue problems.
However, antibiotics do appear to have more effect than in standard MRSA infections.However, antibiotics do appear to have more effect than in standard MRSA infections.
Professor Mark Enright, an expert in MRSA at Imperial College London, said: "Bacterial pneumonia following influenza can be very serious and in some cases fatal.
"CA-MRSA pneumonia is particularly dangerous due to the rapid, aggressive nature of the infection and the difficulty in providing effective chemotherapy.
"The emergence of pandemic influenza and increased prevalence of CA-MRSA in many countries may cause increased morbidity and mortality in infected individuals."