MRSA

• Mercer Disease or MRSA is an infection caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The letters MRSA are an acronym for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is referred to as "staph," and its infections are known as staph infections. But with MRSA, the disease is resistant to the antibiotics typically used to treat staph infections, which explains the first two words from its acronym: methicillin resistant. Because of the resistance to many antibiotics, Mercer Disease can be fatal.
  
  

Staph Bacteria

• Staph bacteria is commonly found in a person's nose or on the skin. Unless the bacteria enters the body through a wound or cut, it can be harmless. A person with the bacteria may not become sick, yet she can pass those germs to others, which can cause illness. According to the Mayo Clinic, most MRSA infections occur in health care environments, such as hospitals, dialysis centers and nursing homes. Patients with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or those who are ill, are more susceptible to the Mercer Disease.
  
  

Evolution

• What makes Mercer Disease especially dangerous is that it is difficult to treat because it is resistant to antibiotics. There are several causes for the development of the MRSA strain. One is the overuse of antibiotics for minor infections, allowing the bacteria to become immune to treatment. Another cause is the presence of antibiotics in our food supply and water, which contributes to the strain's ability to build up immunity over time. Another cause is germ mutation, where the bacteria evolves and survives, becoming even stronger and more resistant to antibiotics.
  
  

Risk Factors

• There are certain risk factors associated with contraction of the Mercer Disease. Young children are vulnerable, as their immune systems are not fully developed. Those who are involved with contact sports where there are injuries and physical contact can have higher incidents of MRSA. This includes sharing towels, equipment, uniforms and other personal items. Unsanitary living conditions can also contribute to the disease. The most commonly vulnerable are those who are in the hospital or some other medical facility.
  
  

Protection

• Protection against the disease includes frequently washing hands, reminding medical care people to wash their hands prior to contact, and showering after physical contact sports. Linens should be laundered in hot water before using, especially if there are any cuts on the body. Cuts should be sanitized and covered. It is also important not to overuse antibiotics. Hygiene is an important key in protecting the body from MRSA.