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Mrsa � a superbug

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Mrsa � a superbug
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Author:

Surabhi Johari, Mridujuna Gogoi, Annesha Chakraborty, Rupanjali B. Sharma, Kanwar Narain, N. C. Barua


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Mrsa � a superbug

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant gram-positive bacterium that presents a major challenge in healthcare settings due to its resistance to various antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins. Initially identified in the 1960s, MRSA infections have evolved from being confined to hospitals to becoming common in community settings, particularly among individuals with skin wounds or in close contact with one another. The emergence of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) strains necessitates an urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies to combat this pervasive pathogen, which causes a wide range of illnesses from mild skin infections to severe systemic conditions.

Resistance Mechanisms in MRSA

One of the critical aspects of MRSA's virulence is its mechanism of antibiotic resistance, primarily attributed to the acquisition and expression of the mecA gene. This gene encodes for penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which possesses a low affinity for beta-lactam antibiotics, rendering traditional treatments ineffective. The presence of PBP2a allows MRSA to evade the effects of commonly used antibiotics, complicating treatment options. Furthermore, research has shown that strains without the mecA gene can exhibit low-level resistance, indicating that not all resistance mechanisms are solely dependent on the traditional pathways understood in MRSA.

Molecular Docking Studies and Drug Design

In addressing the challenge of MRSA infections, modern computer-aided drug design, particularly molecular docking studies, has emerged as a vital tool in the identification of new therapeutic agents. Efforts in drug discovery focus on leveraging virtual screening and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models to identify compounds effective against MRSA. Recent studies have evaluated various natural and synthetic compounds targeting dehydrosqualene synthase and other vital enzymes in MRSA, assessing their binding affinity and potential antibacterial activity. These approaches aim to discover inhibitors that effectively disrupt MRSA’s metabolic pathways without eliciting further resistance.

Epidemiological Implications of MRSA

The epidemiology of MRSA indicates a worrying trend, with rising incidences in both nosocomial (hospital-acquired) and community-acquired settings. Studies report varying resistance rates, with some regions showing up to 70% of Staphylococcus aureus strains exhibiting methicillin resistance. These numbers highlight the need for vigilant antimicrobial stewardship and improved infection control protocols within healthcare environments. Furthermore, the emergence of vancomycin-resistant strains of MRSA adds another layer of complexity, signifying an urgent need for ongoing surveillance and the development of alternative treatment pathways.

Conclusion

The continuing threat posed by MRSA underscores the critical need for innovative approaches to manage and treat infections caused by this "superbug." Addressing MRSA’s resistance mechanisms harnessing advanced drug discovery technologies such as molecular docking and QSAR modeling can pave the way for developing novel therapeutic agents. Simultaneously, effective epidemiological monitoring and infection control measures are essential to mitigate the spread of MRSA. As the global health community confronts this challenge, interdisciplinary efforts combining microbiology, pharmacology, and bioinformatics will be paramount in mitigating the public health burden of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is MRSA and why is it a concern?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics. It poses significant health risks due to its ability to cause severe infections, especially in hospital settings.

How does MRSA resist common antibiotics?

MRSA's resistance primarily comes from the mecA gene, which encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a). This protein has a low affinity for beta-lactam antibiotics, allowing MRSA strains to survive despite antibiotic treatment.

What are the main transmission routes for MRSA?

MRSA spreads mainly through person-to-person contact, particularly in healthcare settings. It can also transfer via contaminated surfaces and objects, making hygiene crucial to prevent infections.

What treatments are effective against MRSA infections?

Vancomycin and other glycopeptide antibiotics are common treatments for MRSA infections. However, the rising incidence of MRSA strains with reduced susceptibility to these antibiotics is concerning.

What role does molecular docking play in combating MRSA?

Molecular docking is used in drug discovery to identify new potential inhibitors targeting MRSA. It helps evaluate how different compounds interact with bacterial proteins, guiding the design of effective treatments.

Why is continuous research on MRSA critical?

Continuous research on MRSA is essential to understand its evolving resistance mechanisms. This knowledge helps in developing novel treatments and public health strategies to control and prevent infections effectively.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Mrsa � a superbug�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Aureus:
Aureus refers to a group of bacteria primarily known as Staphylococcus aureus, commonly associated with various infections in humans, ranging from minor skin issues to severe conditions like pneumonia or endocarditis. Its significance is heightened in discussions around antibiotic resistance, especially in the context of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to agents that combat bacteria. Developing effective antibacterial compounds is imperative for addressing the challenge posed by strains like MRSA. Continued research into new antibacterial agents aids in overcoming resistance and improving treatment outcomes for infected patients.

3) Surabhi (Surabhin):
Surabhi refers to one of the authors of the article discussing MRSA and its implications. The contributions of various researchers like Surabhi are vital for advancing our understanding of antibiotic resistance and developing new therapeutic strategies, owing to their expertise in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences.

4) Drug:
Drugs are chemical substances that impact biological systems and are used primarily for treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of diseases. In the context of the discussed research, the focus is on creating new antibacterial drugs to combat resistant strains like MRSA, which present a growing threat in healthcare.

5) Beta:
Beta often refers to beta-lactam antibiotics, a class that includes penicillin and its derivatives, which target bacterial cell wall synthesis. In relation to MRSA, understanding how bacteria develop resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics is pivotal for diagnosing infections and formulating effective treatment protocols.

6) Study (Studying):
Study signifies the systematic investigation into MRSA, its mechanisms of resistance, and treatment options. The studies highlighted in the article contribute to a broader understanding of infections caused by resistant bacteria and help in discovering new drugs or methodologies for managing these challenges.

7) Transmission:
Transmission refers to the spread of bacterial infections, especially MRSA, between individuals. Understanding the modes of transmission, which include direct contact and environmental factors, is crucial for implementing effective infection control measures and preventing outbreaks in healthcare and community settings.

8) Disease:
Disease indicates the negative health conditions caused by infections. The article emphasizes diseases caused by MRSA, highlighting their severity and the complexity of treatment due to resistance. Insights into disease mechanisms drive the research and development of new therapeutic approaches.

9) Activity:
Activity refers to the functional response of microorganisms to drugs or antibiotics. In the context of the article, studying the antibacterial activity of new compounds against MRSA is essential for identifying effective treatment alternatives for resistant infections.

10) India:
India is significant in the discussion around MRSA as the article outlines the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains in hospitals across the country. The data and research from India highlight a pressing public health issue, necessitating local strategies to combat MRSA and safeguard healthcare outcomes.

11) Mutation:
Mutation refers to the genetic changes that bacteria undergo, enabling them to develop resistance to antibiotics. Understanding mutation patterns in MRSA contributes to knowledge about treatment failures and guides ongoing research into novel agents that can circumvent these resistance mechanisms.

12) Epidemic:
Epidemic describes the rapid spread of MRSA in both healthcare and community settings. The article points to the importance of recognizing epidemic patterns of infection to implement effective public health interventions to control and prevent further transmission.

13) Death:
Death underscores the severe consequences of MRSA infections, particularly in vulnerable populations. Recognizing the potential mortality associated with these infections is critical in addressing public health concerns and emphasizing the need for effective treatment strategies and measures.

14) Hand:
Hand refers to the primary medium through which MRSA is transmitted in healthcare settings. Emphasizing hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of resistant strains, highlighting the importance of education and compliance among healthcare workers and patients.

15) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to the rational study and application of knowledge in a systematic manner. The focus on scientific methods in researching MRSA is pivotal in discovering effective treatments and understanding the complexities of antibiotic resistance.

16) Visha (Visa):
Visa indicates a specific context in healthcare regarding Vancomycin Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus, significant in discussing antibiotic resistance. Monitoring VISA strains is essential for understanding treatment challenges related to MRSA and guiding further research into alternative therapies.

17) Vrisha (Vrsa):
Vrsa refers to Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, representing a critical issue in antibiotic resistance. The emergence of VRSA strains necessitates vigilant healthcare practices and ongoing research to develop effective treatments, as such strains significantly limit therapeutic options.

18) Wall:
Wall refers contextually to the bacterial cell wall, a critical structure targeted by many antibiotics, including beta-lactams. Understanding the composition and function of the bacterial cell wall contributes to insights on MRSA resistance mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

19) Indian:
Indian signifies the geographical and contextual relevance of MRSA research, particularly with respect to its prevalence and resistance patterns in India. The focus on Indian hospitals provides essential data crucial for understanding global public health implications and necessary healthcare strategies.

20) Life:
Life represents the biological aspect of bacterial organisms and their interactions with human hosts and environments. Research into MRSA tackles the complexities of bacterial life cycles, evolution, and adaptation in response to antibiotic pressures in clinical settings.

21) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation in microbiology often describes genetic changes in bacteria, including acquiring resistance genes via horizontal gene transfer. Understanding such transformations is key to addressing antibiotic resistance in MRSA and devising strategies for effective management and treatment.

22) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy typically refers to the treatment of disease using chemical agents, most commonly in oncology. In the context of the article, the term may relate to antibiotic therapies employed against infections like MRSA, emphasizing the need for effective chemotherapeutic agents.

23) Calculation:
Calculation involves mathematical analysis essential for experimental design and interpreting data in scientific studies. Accurate calculations are crucial in determining the effectiveness of new drug candidates against MRSA, aiding researchers in optimizing treatments and therapeutic strategies.

24) Observation:
Observation refers to the fundamental activity in scientific research of gathering data and evidence to inform conclusions. In the study of MRSA, careful observation of infection patterns, resistance mechanisms, and treatment responses is key to advancing knowledge and drug development.

25) Similarity:
Similarity in research contexts often refers to the comparisons made between bacterial strains, their resistance mechanisms, and drug interactions. Identifying similarities helps researchers understand pathogenic behavior and devise targeted strategies in combating MRSA.

26) Knowledge:
Knowledge represents the accumulation of information derived from research and analysis. In the context of MRSA, disseminating knowledge about antibiotic resistance patterns helps inform practitioners and guides future studies and treatment protocols.

27) Inference:
Inference refers to the logical conclusions drawn from observed data and research findings. In MRSA research, making informed inferences from study results aids in understanding resistance mechanisms and informs therapeutic approaches for managing infections.

28) Evolution:
Evolution relates to the gradual development of species over time, including bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus developing resistances to antibiotics. Understanding the evolution of antibiotic resistance is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies to combat resistant infections.

29) Education:
Education emphasizes the need for raising awareness and understanding of MRSA and antibiotic resistance within both the medical community and the public. Effective education initiatives can play a vital role in preventing the spread of MRSA and ensuring better treatment outcomes.

30) Training:
Training in healthcare contexts involves equipping healthcare workers with knowledge and skills necessary for effective infection control and management practices. Proper training programs focused on MRSA can reduce transmission rates and improve patient care quality.

31) Teaching:
Teaching refers to the impartation of knowledge and skills, particularly relevant in educating healthcare professionals about antibiotic resistance and MRSA management. Effective teaching methods foster awareness and equip individuals with tools to combat MRSA effectively.

32) Relative:
Relative often defines the relationship between concepts or entities, such as the comparison of MRSA with other bacterial strains. Understanding relational dynamics can inform infection management strategies and therapeutic development.

33) Quality:
Quality indicates the standard or degree of excellence in healthcare services and pharmacological treatments. Evaluating the quality of research and interventions aimed at addressing MRSA is essential for ensuring effective health outcomes.

34) Species:
Species refers to distinct biological groups of organisms. In bacteriology, identifying and classifying bacterial species, including MRSA strains, is crucial for understanding infection dynamics, antibiotic resistance, and targeted treatment strategies.

35) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene emphasizes the practices aimed at maintaining health, particularly in preventing infection transmission. Promoting hygiene standards, especially hand hygiene, is critical in controlling MRSA outbreaks in healthcare settings and the community.

36) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma is one of the contributors to the research surrounding MRSA. Collaborative efforts such as those involving Sharma enhance knowledge sharing and the advancement of insights on antibiotic resistance and effective treatments.

37) Reason:
Reason relates to the logical process of making arguments or conclusions based on evidence. Reasoning through MRSA research designs ensures well-structured studies capable of yielding credible results, informing public health interventions.

38) Animal:
Animal references the role of animal models in research related to MRSA and antibiotic resistance studies. Animal studies pueden provide insights into infection processes and drug efficacy, aiding in the development of new treatment strategies.

39) Gold (Golden):
Golden can refer to various aspects, including specific biochemicals or metabolites of Staphylococcus aureus. The golden pigment staphyloxanthin produced by S. aureus relates to its pathogenicity, enhancing its survival within the host environment.

40) Barua:
Barua is another author involved in the study of MRSA, contributing to the collective research efforts in understanding and addressing antibiotic resistance challenges faced in clinical settings.

41) Food:
Food relates to discussions on transmission pathways of MRSA, including potential contamination or transmission via food products. Understanding food-safety practices is essential for preventing MRSA outbreaks in both community and healthcare settings.

42) Pose:
Pose refers to presenting challenges or difficulties, as is the case with MRSA posing significant treatment hurdles due to its resistance. Identifying such posed challenges helps tailor research efforts and healthcare policies.

43) Rich (Rch):
Rich characterizes environments or phenomena with a high concentration or diversity—such as the rich ecosystem of bacterial species. Acknowledging rich bacteriological environments can inform research strategies to target resistant strains like MRSA.

44) Post:
Post signifies subsequent actions or developments, potentially in reference to post-treatment outcomes. Understanding post-infection recovery and treatment efficacy plays a crucial role in assessing strategies for managing MRSA effectively.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Mrsa � a superbug�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Chronic liver disease, Molecular basis, Infection Control, Healthcare setting, Staphylococcus aureus, Antimicrobial Resistance, Epidemiological studies, Antibiotic resistance, Bioinformatics tools, Resistance to antibiotics, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Tertiary care hospital, Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Risk factor, Therapeutic failure, Antimicrobial Susceptibility test, Quantitative structure-activity relationship, Molecular docking studies, Nosocomial infection, Horizontal gene transfer, Clinical isolate, In silico studies, Antimicrobial susceptibility, Multidrug-resistant Strains, Nasal carriage, Drug resistant strains, Beta lactam antibiotic, Vancomycin resistance, Nosocomial pathogen, Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Nosocomial transmission, Penicillin-binding protein, MecA gene, Hospital acquired infection, Infection control team, Virulence factor, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Molecular epidemiology, Community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Vancomycin resistance genes, Clinical strain, Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant strains, Glycopeptide resistance, Antibiotic era.

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