February 7, 2012

Is There Hope for a MRSA Vaccine?

If you've worked in health care for any length of time, you know how important it is to prevent the spread of germs and disease. This is particularly crucial in a hospital or care setting where you have individuals with weakened or compromised immune systems. Along with preventing things like the common cold, routine cleaning also reduces the risk of passing or acquiring potentially deadly pathogens like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). 

Now, thanks to recent medical research, there might be hope for a MRSA vaccine. This article in Scientific American delves deeper into the issue and explains how "A study by staff at the CDC's Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion estimates that an S. aureus vaccine given to vulnerable groups could reduce the number of serious MRSA infections by 24,000-34,000 cases per year." Wired Magazine has more on this important development, and links to several in-depth resources where you can learn more. Both articles are worth reading!


cc licensed ( BY NC SD ) flickr photo shared by PNNL - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

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