I chose the bacteria Staphycoccus aureus because I find the bacteria to be very complex and intriguing. It ranges from no infection at all, yet can still be as servere as death. However, newer studies and technology are helping scientist outsmart this bacteria by genome sequencing and other means of testing.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus or MRSA is a type of staph bacteria, a methicillin-resistant strain of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Meaning it is resistant to certain antibiotic medications such as methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin, four of the more commonly used antibiotics.
In 2012, researchers for the first time ever have been able gain knowledge on this "superbug" by performing a technique known as Genome sequencing. "What we have glimpsed through this pioneering study isa a future in which new sequencing methods will help us to identify, manage, and stop hospital outbreaks," said Nick Brown, an infection control doctor at Addenbrooke's Hospital Cambridge, who led the study and presented his presented his findings at a briefing.
During the study a team was formed to analyze, record, and maintain data amongst 12 patients to try to do better develop a cause and effect for the "Baby outbreak of MRSA" within the hospital. The results over a six month period proved to be more intense than anticipated even. The team then screened 154 staff members by using the DNA sequencing and confirmed a staff member was unknowingly carrying and transmitting the disease. This was able to be discovered through this testing because it is in real time and proves the strain is linked to the same outbreak.
"This technology holds great promise for the quick and accurate identification of bacterial transmissions in our hospitals and could lead to a paradigm shift in how we manage infection control and practice, said Parkhill.(cite)
MRSA is a