MRSA

[Guest guest]

There is an oil that kills Mrsa from heritage

Oils. The women make their own oil and are

Very knowledgeable. You can find their info

Online and give them a call or email them,

Aggie

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 11, 2009, at 7:13 PM, " markpheno " <markpheno@...> wrote:

My 11 month old was born with NAIT (blood disorder that is out of her body now)

Anyway she had to spend a week in the NICU and tested positive for MRSA at one

day old, no cuts just a skin swab. She now has an infection that was just

cultured and it came back positve for MRSA. Her DR., which I do really like said

if it is healing on its own then let it be (lots of soaks, and Neosporin) It

seems to be doing well, still hard around the pimple but looks good. This is

what I wanted to hear no antibiotic at 11 months. But, at the same time I am

really worried because it did test positive for MRSA. Any knowledge and insite

would be GREAT thanks Jane

No vaccinations

[Guest guest]

A natural antiseptic, tea tree oil has the ability to kill many bacterial

strains, including MRSA.

Tea Tree Oil and Staph http://bastyrcenter.org/content/view/972/ & page=

Tea tree oil

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0001/ai_2603000122/

On Tue, Aug 11, 2009 at 7:13 PM, markpheno <markpheno@...> wrote:

>

>

> My 11 month old was born with NAIT (blood disorder that is out of her body

> now) Anyway she had to spend a week in the NICU and tested positive for MRSA

> at one day old, no cuts just a skin swab. She now has an infection that was

> just cultured and it came back positve for MRSA. Her DR., which I do really

> like said if it is healing on its own then let it be (lots of soaks, and

> Neosporin) It seems to be doing well, still hard around the pimple but looks

> good. This is what I wanted to hear no antibiotic at 11 months. But, at the

> same time I am really worried because it did test positive for MRSA. Any

> knowledge and insite would be GREAT thanks Jane

>

> No vaccinations

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you to those of you who sent me the info on the oils that kill MRSA, I

have to get a better kit at my house so I feel better prepared when scares like

this come along. Thanks again. Jane 

________________________________

From: Aggie Eckert <adziedziech@...>

" Vaccinations " <Vaccinations >

Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 10:27:15 PM

Subject: Re: MRSA

 

There is an oil that kills Mrsa from heritage

Oils. The women make their own oil and are

Very knowledgeable. You can find their info

Online and give them a call or email them,

Aggie

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 11, 2009, at 7:13 PM, " markpheno " <markpheno (DOT) com> wrote:

My 11 month old was born with NAIT (blood disorder that is out of her body now)

Anyway she had to spend a week in the NICU and tested positive for MRSA at one

day old, no cuts just a skin swab. She now has an infection that was just

cultured and it came back positve for MRSA. Her DR., which I do really like said

if it is healing on its own then let it be (lots of soaks, and Neosporin) It

seems to be doing well, still hard around the pimple but looks good. This is

what I wanted to hear no antibiotic at 11 months. But, at the same time I am

really worried because it did test positive for MRSA. Any knowledge and insite

would be GREAT thanks Jane

No vaccinations

[Guest guest]

I find garlic to be very effective when I have infections.

Best of Health,

*Isn't it better to be safe, than sorry...

*http://www.EcoCleanInfo.com

http://www.LandOfAnd.com/PlanB

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

On Thu, Sep 10, 2009 at 9:42 AM, Jenn Spahn <jennspahn@...> wrote:

> I agree with the lavendar oil & Vit C. What about garlic?

>

>

> " For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,

> against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world. " ~~

> Ephesians 6:12

>

[Guest guest]

Definitely garlic taken internally is great for infection. Hubby eats it chopped

up raw but that needs a sturdy stomach to take. You can buy garlic oil from

Healthy Food Stores. Not sure if that will be powerful enough for mrsa, i'd do

the raw with honey.

I forgot that plain brewed black tea is great for infection too. Drink a cup

internally each day. I always use the regular kind, not sure about

decaffeinated. Do all of it. It will all help to rid the infection. How is she

today after doing the Bach Flower Cream/herbs/lavender bandages? Any progress??

-Arlynn

[Guest guest]

Aloe vera is also good for combating staph infections. I alternated it with tea

tree oil with my 2 year old. It works like a charm!

From: Jenn Spahn <jennspahn@...>

Subject: MRSA

Vaccinations

Date: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 8:42 AM

 

 I agree with the lavendar oil & Vit C.  What about garlic?

 

 

 

  " For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,

against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world. " ~~ Ephesians

6:12

[Guest guest]

Olive leaf extract. Seagate products has an awesome product with all 8

antimicrobials. Not just oleuropien.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

MRSA

Does anyone know if there are any natural rememdies for MRSA?

Does coconut oil help? Would you apply it to the skin or just take

it orally? Any help is appreciated. I'm inquiring for a friend. Thanks!

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie,

We used active Manuka honey:

http://www.activemanukahoneyusa.us/Natural-MRSA-Treatment.htm

http://www.honeymarkproducts.com/firstaidantisepticlotion.aspx

On Nov 19, 2009, at 8:53 AM, dldewitt@... wrote:

> Does anyone know if there are any natural rememdies for MRSA?

> Does coconut oil help? Would you apply it to the skin or just take

> it orally? Any help is appreciated. I'm inquiring for a friend.

> Thanks!

>

> Debbie

>

[Guest guest]

I know three things that will kill MRSA. Electroherbalism killed it in ONE

treatment. You should do more treatments, but the patient was noncompliant.

www.electroherbalism.com

Colloidal Silver will kill it, but it will come back a few times before it

goes away entirely.

Allicin-C is a garlic extract. Supposedly they test every batch against

MRSA before they sell it. I've never used it, myself, though.

MRSA

> Does anyone know if there are any natural rememdies for MRSA?

> Does coconut oil help? Would you apply it to the skin or just take

> it orally? Any help is appreciated. I'm inquiring for a friend. Thanks!

>

> Debbie

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

No infection resists ozone therapy; it will clear infections in just hours. If

the infection is easy to get at, topical ozonated olive oil will do; if not, the

" grease gun " approach to curing fistula packs the cavity with ozonated olive

oil. Proper irrigation is not even required. The approach has also been used on

colpitis. Similarly, diabetic leg ulcers, which are similarly drug-0resistant,

are cured with ozone limb bagging. I think smaller ulcers would be cured with

ozonated olive oil too. You can apply the OOO under a patch to keep it from

being rubbed off; it will permeate the area even under the skin and effect the

cure; it's also good for recovery by supplying adequate oxygen to marginalized,

inflamed tissues around the wound.

Duncan

>

> Does anyone know if there are any natural rememdies for MRSA?

> Does coconut oil help? Would you apply it to the skin or just take

> it orally? Any help is appreciated. I'm inquiring for a friend. Thanks!

>

> Debbie

>

[Guest guest]

Research Jim Humble and MMS

Cheers, Doug

MRSA

Does anyone know if there are any natural rememdies for MRSA?

Does coconut oil help? Would you apply it to the skin or just take

it orally? Any help is appreciated. I'm inquiring for a friend. Thanks!

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Do you know if it's a sore or what's the issue. I'll tell you our

successes depending on the answer.

EJ

From: dldewitt@...

Coconut Oil

Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 12:53 AM

Subject: MRSA

Does anyone know if there are any natural rememdies for MRSA?

Does coconut oil help? Would you apply it to the skin or just take

it orally? Any help is appreciated. I'm inquiring for a friend. Thanks!

Debbie

[Guest guest]

I work at a hosptial and am in rooms everyday that are " MRSA Contact " .

One day I was horrified to look at my abdomen and see a huge raised area with an

open sore in the center about 1 1/2 in across with the red area speading out

from it. It was pretty scary. My husband said it looked like someone shot me.

I looked it up and it looked just like all the MRSA pics on the medical sites.

My doc just gave me some Keflex and said she didn't know what it was.

The day before this happened I had read a research article from the UK about Oil

of Oregagno. I bought a bottle and took 9 drops in a spoonful of water folowed

by a glass of water. I did this every 6 hours for ten days just like you'd take

an antibiotic.

After the very first day I had dramatic improvement. After the ten days it

was gone.

What a relief.

the little bottle of Oil of Oregano was $32 and I still had about 2/3 of it

left after this. I now take it for colds and any type of symptoms and it seems

to kill about anything!

That's my personal story.

Peanut

cdbaby.com/cd/carlislelinda

[Guest guest]

   Sometimes he has had sores.  This time he bumped into something and it

did not break the skin.  It bruised but then became hot, red and painful. 

Debbie

________________________________

From: " ejohns9525@... " <ejohns9525@...>

Coconut Oil

Sent: Fri, November 20, 2009 5:46:00 AM

Subject: Re: MRSA

 

Do you know if it's a sore or what's the issue. I'll tell you our

successes depending on the answer.

EJ

From: dldewittverizon (DOT) net

coconut_oil_ open_forum

Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 12:53 AM

Subject: [coconut_oil_ open_forum] MRSA

Does anyone know if there are any natural rememdies for MRSA?

Does coconut oil help? Would you apply it to the skin or just take

it orally? Any help is appreciated. I'm inquiring for a friend. Thanks!

Debbie

[Guest guest]

I know of someone who uses DMSO, colloidal silver swedish bitters cocktail.

DMSO is 10% of solution, more CS than swedish bitters.

And she says it is helping her. Most wounds have disappeared except two

stubborn ones. I told her to put vco with lavander oil after her solution has

dried and she said it is helping a lot.

>

> Does anyone know if there are any natural rememdies for MRSA?

> Does coconut oil help? Would you apply it to the skin or just take

> it orally? Any help is appreciated. I'm inquiring for a friend. Thanks!

>

> Debbie

>

[Guest guest]

Gongfy,

As a matter of principle, you should avoid touching your face and especially

your nose at school until you can wash your hands. This is a measure to protect

against MRSA, but it is also a measure against all the other germs you can catch

just by shaking hands, using doorknobs, etc. You may or may not have MRSA in

your nose, but that can be tested easily by a nose swab and culture during your

next infection.

>

> I teach in an elementary school setting. The teacher who is in the classroom

next door to me has MRSA. She has had repeated bouts of this and it concerns me

greatly. I have been on and off prednisone and Levequin several times this year

due to sinus infections. Should I be concerned?

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks asfy. Hand washing is good advice to

remember. This particular teacher does not have the best hygiene and I am

concerned. The son of one of her friends contracted MRSA, but they spent

a lot of time with her.

I will get the chance to ask my doctor soon. This last

bout of inflammation (exposed to a cold virus I think from one of my students)

has now worked its way into another infection. I just finished a 21 day

burst of prednisone last Thursday, and am now starting another round with

Levaquin. Then I get to go get another CT scan. I have a feeling

surgery number 5 is in the cards for my summer break. This is so strange,

but only my right side is swollen and tender. I have no signs of

inflammation on the left. The last time I had an infection he scoped the

left side and it was fine. When he went to scope the right side, it was

so inflamed he couldn’t even get the scope in to see anything. He

said that side was literally swelled shut. Previous CT scans have looked

fine, so I don’t understand this. On top of being snotty, I am

really getting cranky. Has anyone else had this one-sided issue?

Amy

[Guest guest]

Amy,I would not be surprised that your colleague spread MRSA around by picking her nose, then shaking hands, etc. But independently of that, MRSA prevalence is not negligible ; for instance a study showed that about 5% of workers in a hospital had MRSA. High schools are a good setting for MRSA transmission, especially in the gym (see other abstracts below), so even if your colleague next door had no MRSA, there still could be a lot a MRSA around.Do note that in most immunocompetent people, MRSA is controlled by the immune system and does not give rise to infections - these people just serve as carriers, unless they have some immune event that helps the MRSA start an infection. It's just that when MRSA is passed on to someone who has some immune dysfunction, infections start more readily than in other people.Regarding your one-sided inflammation, a general principle in ENT is that one-sided events have to be investigated just to rule out serious cases (nose cancers, foreign bodies etc). If nothing shows up on the CT scan, it would be a good idea to have a look with the endoscope when the area is less inflamed, and also to have a dental investigation to check if there is no inflamed, infected, or material-leaking upper jaw tooth that could be responsible for this. You could actually see a dentist for that.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2010 Apr 28. [Epub ahead of print]Prevalence and Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus Colonization among Healthcare Professionals in an Urban Teaching Hospital.Elie-Turenne MC, Fernandes H, Mediavilla JR, Rosenthal M, Mathema B, Singh A, Cohen TR, Pawar KA, Shahidi H, Kreiswirth BN, Deitch EA.From the Department of Emergency Medicine (M.-C.E.-T., H.S., T.R.C., K.A.P.), the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.-C.E.-T.) and the Department of Surgery (E.A.D.), New Jersey Medical School, the Department of Pathology (H.F.), the Public Health Research Institute (J.R.M., M.R., B.M., B.N.K.), and the Department of Health Informatics (A.S.), University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey; the Department of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (M.R.); the Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center (T.R.C.), and the Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University (K.A.P.), New York, New York.AbstractObjective. To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) who experience varying degrees of exposure to ambulatory patients and to genetically characterize isolates. Methods. This single-center, cross-sectional study enrolled 256 staff from the intensive care units, emergency department, and prehospital services of an urban tertiary care university hospital in 2008. Occupational histories and nasal samples for S. aureus cultures were obtained. S. aureus isolates were genetically characterized with the use of spa typing and screened for mecA. MRSA isolates underwent further characterization. Results. S. aureus was isolated from 112 of 256 (43.8%) HCPs, including 30 of 52 (57.7%) paramedics, 51 of 124 (41.1%) nurses, 11 of 28 (39.3%) clerical workers, and 20 of 52 (38.5%) physicians. MRSA was isolated from 17 (6.6%) HCPs, including 1 (1.9%) paramedic, 13 (10.5%) nurses, 1 (3.6%) clerical worker, and 2 (3.8%) physicians. Among S. aureus isolates, 15.2% were MRSA. MRSA prevalence was 9.6% (12/125) in emergency department workers, 5.1% (4/79) in intensive care unit workers, and 1.9% (1/52) in emergency medical services workers. Compared with paramedics, who had the lowest prevalence of methicillin resistance among S. aureus isolates (1 of 30 [3.3%] isolates), nurses, who had the highest prevalence (13 of 51 [25.4%] isolates), had an odds ratio of 9.92 (95% confidence interval, 1.32-435.86; [Formula: see text]) for methicillin resistance. Analysis of 15 MRSA isolates revealed 7 USA100 strains, 6 USA300 strains, 1 USA800 strain, and 1 EMRSA-15 strain. All USA300 strains were isolated from emergency department personnel. Conclusions. The observed prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA colonization among HCPs exceeds previously reported prevalences in the general population. The proportion of community-associated MRSA among all MRSA in this colonized HCP cohort reflects the distribution of the USA300 community-associated strain observed increasingly among US hospitalized patients.Br J Biomed Sci. 2010;67(1):5-8.Staphylococcus aureus nasal and hand carriage among students from a Portuguese health school.Marques J, Barbosa J, Alves I, Moreira L.Escola Superior de Saúde Piaget, Vila Nova Gaia, Portugal.AbstractThis study aims to compare the frequency of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage among students from a Portuguese higher health school. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was also assayed in order to detect methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains among the isolates. Nasal swabs and fingerprints from 60 healthy nursing and pharmacy students were collected, followed by inoculation and incubation at 37 degrees C for 24 h. All suspected S. aureus isolates were identified by routine laboratory procedures. The susceptibility to antimicrobial agents (tetracycline, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, oxacillin and vancomycin) of confirmed isolates was determined by a disc-diffusion method. Results showed 41.7% S. aureus colonisation among participants, and that the difference between nursing and pharmacy students was statistically significant. Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated that S. aureus isolates showed variable sensitivity to antibiotics but, most importantly, were resistant to oxacillin and vancomycin. Although the frequency and prevalence of colonisation found is within the range previously described in healthy populations, increased resistance to antimicrobials and higher prevalence of MRSA among the student community was found.J Environ Health. 2010 Jan-Feb;72(6):12-6.Prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in high school wrestling environments.Stanforth B, Krause A, Starkey C, TJ.E344 Grover Center, Ohio University, Athens 45701-2979, USA.AbstractMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) was predominantly a hospital-acquired organism; recently, however, community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) has been causing outbreaks in otherwise healthy individuals involved in athletics. As such, CA-MRSA is of emerging concern to sanitarians and public health officials. Secondary school athletic trainers and student athletes may be at elevated risk of spreading or contracting MRSA. The absence of proper hygiene protocols or equipment may further increase this risk. In the study discussed in this article, environmental samples were obtained to identify the prevalence of MRSA on surfaces in high school athletic training and wrestling facilities mats in nine rural Ohio high schools. Frequencies and descriptive statistics were prepared. All nine (100%) of the sites tested had at least one positive sample for the presence of MRSA. The need for heightened sanitation, hygiene education of affected persons about skin and soft tissue infections like MRSA, and intervention opportunities for public health professionals are discussed.J Environ Health. 2010 Jan-Feb;72(6):8-11; quiz 66.Assessment of athletic health care facility surfaces for MRSA in the secondary school setting.Montgomery K, TJ, Krause A, Starkey C.E344 Grover Center, Ohio University, Athens 45701, USA.AbstractMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was once largely a hospital-acquired infection, but increasingly, community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) is causing outbreaks among otherwise healthy people in athletic settings. Secondary school athletic trainers, student athletes, and the general student population may be at elevated risk of MRSA infection. To identify the prevalence of MRSA on surfaces in high school athletic training settings, 10 rural high school athletic training facilities and locker rooms were sampled for MRSA. Results showed 90% of facilities had two or more positive MRSA surfaces, while one school had no recoverable MRSA colonies. Of all surfaces tested (N=90), 46.7% produced a positive result. From this limited sample, it is evident that significant exposure opportunities to MRSA exist in athletic training clinics and adjacent facilities for both the patient and the clinician. Furthermore, the findings point to the need for community hygiene education about skin and soft tissue infections like MRSA.Clin Lab Sci. 2009 Summer;22(3):176-84.Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: carriage rates and characterization of students in a Texas university.Rohde RE, Denham R, Brannon A.Clinical Laboratory Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, TX 78666-4616, USA. rrohde@...AbstractOBJECTIVE: To evaluate the carriage rates of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a university student population and describe risk factors associated with the carriage of each. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (N = 203). Institutional Review Board approval was obtained from Texas State University-San Marcos. SETTING: Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, TX. PARTICIPANTS: Two-hundred and three university student samples were collected from December 2007 to July 2008. INTERVENTIONS: None indicated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The sample set was screened for S. aureus and MRSA identification by standard microbiological techniques and confirmed by use of a Vitek 2 per manufacturer recommendation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted on each MRSA isolate by Vitek 2. A questionnaire was conducted with each student to acquire demographic and risk factor information. Demographic data is shown by raw numbers, percentages, mean, and median where applicable. The compiled data was screened and analyzed by chi square (p values) and odds ratio (OR) with confidence interval (CI) to determine significance. RESULTS: Of the 203 participants who were screened, 60 (29.6%) carried S. aureus. Univariate analysis found that only hospitalization in the past 12 months was significantly associated with the risk of being a S. aureus carrier (OR=3.0, 95% CI 1.28-7.03). Of the 60 participants that carried S. aureus, 15 were identified as MRSA. This relates to a 7.4% MRSA carriage rate among generally healthy university students. Univariate analysis found that hospitalization in the past 12 months (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.29-13.36) and recent skin infection (OR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.07-18.24) were significantly associated with the risk of being a MRSA carrier. No unique antibiotic susceptibility patterns were identified with the MRSA isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The carriage rate of S. aureus is consistent with similar studies. MRSA carriage in this university study appears high as compared to the general population. Although this study did not confirm a variety of risk factors for carriage of MRSA previously identified by others, university healthcare personnel should be aware of the changing epidemiology of MRSA and preventive measures needed to avoid outbreaks.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2009 Jan 30;58(3):52-5.Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among players on a high school football team--New York City, 2007.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).AbstractOn September 12, 2007, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) was notified of three players on a Brooklyn high school football team with culture-confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). During August 19--24, the team had attended a preseason football training camp, where all 59 players on the team lived together in the school gymnasium. An investigation by DOHMH revealed four culture-confirmed and two suspected cases of MRSA among 51 players interviewed (11.8% attack rate). Of the six cases, three involved abscesses that required incision and drainage. The risk for MRSA infection was higher among those who shared towels during the training camp than among those who did not (relative risk [RR] = 8.2). In addition, the six players with MRSA infections had a mean body mass index (BMI) that was significantly higher than the mean for those who were not infected. Multivariable logistic modeling determined that sharing towels during camp (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 15.7) and higher BMI (AOR = 1.4) were associated independently with MRSA infection. Similar outbreaks have been reported among football teams in which inadequate hygiene, combined with skin injuries and living in close quarters, contributed to the spread of MRSA infection. Such outbreaks might be prevented by better educating players and coaches regarding SSTIs and by better promoting proper player hygiene, particularly during training camps.>> Thanks asfy. Hand washing is good advice to remember. This particular> teacher does not have the best hygiene and I am concerned. The son of one> of her friends contracted MRSA, but they spent a lot of time with her. > > > > I will get the chance to ask my doctor soon. This last bout of inflammation> (exposed to a cold virus I think from one of my students) has now worked its> way into another infection. I just finished a 21 day burst of prednisone> last Thursday, and am now starting another round with Levaquin. Then I get> to go get another CT scan. I have a feeling surgery number 5 is in the> cards for my summer break. This is so strange, but only my right side is> swollen and tender. I have no signs of inflammation on the left. The last> time I had an infection he scoped the left side and it was fine. When he> went to scope the right side, it was so inflamed he couldn't even get the> scope in to see anything. He said that side was literally swelled shut.> Previous CT scans have looked fine, so I don't understand this. On top of> being snotty, I am really getting cranky. Has anyone else had this> one-sided issue?> > > > Amy>

[Guest guest]

Thanks asfy, 

Did the dentist thing – everything okay there.  The last

time he tried to scope the right side (after a round of prednisone and Levaquin-

this was a follow up appointment from the swelled shut incident), he couldn’t

see up into my right frontal sinus.  He had previously cleared a left frontal

sinus infection (1998) and the left side is still clear all the way up.  That was

when he suggested putting me on the waiting list for the balloon surgery –

but my insurance company still won’t approve it.  He did say that my

sinuses look much worse under the scope than the CT would indicate.  He said

the right side is filled with polypoid inflamed tissue – whatever that

means. 

As for the teacher next door – long story short she is a

cancer survivor, poor thing.  They did so much radiation damage to her skin

that she constantly has problems.  Last year she underwent extensive surgery

and skin grafts.  That was when she contracted MRSA.  She constantly has a wound

pump and a port that has to be flushed.  Her doctor told her to quit teaching –

too many germs.  But, it is her life. . .   We are a pair, her and I!

So there you are.  Round two of prednisone, probably another 5

pounds, and it sucks to be me right now L

Thanks for listening to my whining.  I am sure once I get

healthy again this summer I will be back to my usual cheerful attitude. 

From:

samters [mailto:samters ] On Behalf Of asfy

Sent: Saturday, May 01, 2010 11:13 AM

samters

Subject: Re: MRSA

Amy,

I would not be surprised that your colleague spread MRSA

around by picking her nose, then shaking hands, etc.

But independently of that, MRSA prevalence is not negligible

; for instance a study showed that about 5% of workers in a hospital had MRSA.

High schools are a good setting for MRSA transmission, especially in the gym

(see other abstracts below), so even if your colleague next door had no MRSA,

there still could be a lot a MRSA around.

Do note that in most immunocompetent people, MRSA is

controlled by the immune system and does not give rise to infections - these

people just serve as carriers, unless they have some immune event that helps

the MRSA start an infection. It's just that when MRSA is passed on to someone

who has some immune dysfunction, infections start more readily than in other

people.

Regarding your one-sided inflammation, a general principle

in ENT is that one-sided events have to be investigated just to rule out

serious cases (nose cancers, foreign bodies etc). If nothing shows up on the CT

scan, it would be a good idea to have a look with the endoscope when the area

is less inflamed, and also to have a dental investigation to check if there is

no inflamed, infected, or material-leaking upper jaw tooth that could be

responsible for this. You could actually see a dentist for that.

Infect

Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2010 Apr 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Prevalence

and Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus Colonization among Healthcare

Professionals in an Urban Teaching Hospital.

Elie-Turenne MC, Fernandes H, Mediavilla JR, Rosenthal M, Mathema B, Singh A, Cohen TR, Pawar KA, Shahidi H, Kreiswirth BN, Deitch EA.

From

the Department of Emergency Medicine (M.-C.E.-T., H.S., T.R.C., K.A.P.), the

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine

(M.-C.E.-T.) and the Department of Surgery (E.A.D.), New Jersey Medical School,

the Department of Pathology (H.F.), the Public Health Research Institute

(J.R.M., M.R., B.M., B.N.K.), and the Department of Health Informatics (A.S.),

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey; the

Department of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical

Center, Boston, Massachusetts (M.R.); the Department of Emergency Medicine,

Beth Israel Medical Center (T.R.C.), and the Department of Emergency Medicine,

New York University (K.A.P.), New York, New York.

Abstract

Objective. To

determine the prevalence of asymptomatic carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and

methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) among healthcare professionals (HCPs)

who experience varying degrees of exposure to ambulatory patients and to

genetically characterize isolates. Methods. This single-center, cross-sectional

study enrolled 256 staff from the intensive care units, emergency department,

and prehospital services of an urban tertiary care university hospital in 2008.

Occupational histories and nasal samples for S. aureus cultures were obtained.

S. aureus isolates were genetically characterized with the use of spa typing

and screened for mecA. MRSA isolates underwent further characterization.

Results. S. aureus was isolated from 112 of 256 (43.8%) HCPs, including 30 of

52 (57.7%) paramedics, 51 of 124 (41.1%) nurses, 11 of 28 (39.3%) clerical

workers, and 20 of 52 (38.5%) physicians. MRSA

was isolated from 17 (6.6%) HCPs, including 1 (1.9%) paramedic,

13 (10.5%) nurses, 1 (3.6%) clerical worker, and 2 (3.8%) physicians. Among S.

aureus isolates, 15.2% were MRSA. MRSA prevalence was 9.6% (12/125) in

emergency department workers, 5.1% (4/79) in intensive care unit workers, and

1.9% (1/52) in emergency medical services workers. Compared with paramedics,

who had the lowest prevalence of methicillin resistance among S. aureus

isolates (1 of 30 [3.3%] isolates), nurses, who had the highest prevalence (13

of 51 [25.4%] isolates), had an odds ratio of 9.92 (95% confidence interval,

1.32-435.86; [Formula: see text]) for methicillin resistance. Analysis of 15

MRSA isolates revealed 7 USA100 strains, 6 USA300 strains, 1 USA800 strain, and

1 EMRSA-15 strain. All USA300 strains were isolated from emergency department

personnel. Conclusions. The observed prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA

colonization among HCPs exceeds previously reported prevalences in the general

population. The proportion of community-associated MRSA among all MRSA in this

colonized HCP cohort reflects the distribution of the USA300 community-associated

strain observed increasingly among US hospitalized patients.

Br

J Biomed Sci. 2010;67(1):5-8.

Staphylococcus

aureus nasal and hand carriage among students from a Portuguese health school.

Marques J, Barbosa J, Alves I, Moreira L.

Escola

Superior de Saúde Piaget, Vila Nova Gaia, Portugal.

Abstract

This study

aims to compare the frequency of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage among

students from a Portuguese higher health school. Antimicrobial susceptibility

testing was also assayed in order to detect methicillin-resistant S. aureus

(MRSA) strains among the isolates. Nasal swabs and fingerprints from 60 healthy

nursing and pharmacy students were collected, followed by inoculation and

incubation at 37 degrees C for 24 h. All suspected S. aureus isolates were

identified by routine laboratory procedures. The susceptibility to antimicrobial

agents (tetracycline, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid,

trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, oxacillin and vancomycin) of confirmed isolates

was determined by a disc-diffusion method. Results showed 41.7% S. aureus

colonisation among participants, and that the difference between nursing and

pharmacy students was statistically significant. Antibiotic susceptibility

testing demonstrated that S. aureus isolates showed variable sensitivity to

antibiotics but, most importantly, were resistant to oxacillin and vancomycin.

Although the frequency and prevalence of colonisation found is within the range

previously described in healthy populations, increased resistance to

antimicrobials and higher prevalence of MRSA among the student community was

found.

J

Environ Health. 2010 Jan-Feb;72(6):12-6.

Prevalence

of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in high

school wrestling environments.

Stanforth B, Krause A, Starkey C, TJ.

E344

Grover Center, Ohio University, Athens 45701-2979, USA.

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant

Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) was predominantly a hospital-acquired organism;

recently, however, community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) has been causing

outbreaks in otherwise healthy individuals involved in athletics. As such,

CA-MRSA is of emerging concern to sanitarians and public health officials.

Secondary school athletic trainers and student athletes may be at elevated risk

of spreading or contracting MRSA. The absence of proper hygiene protocols or

equipment may further increase this risk. In the study discussed in this

article, environmental samples were obtained

to identify the prevalence of MRSA on surfaces in high school athletic training

and wrestling facilities mats in nine rural Ohio high schools. Frequencies and

descriptive statistics were prepared. All nine (100%) of the sites tested had

at least one positive sample for the presence of MRSA. The need

for heightened sanitation, hygiene education of affected persons about skin and

soft tissue infections like MRSA, and intervention opportunities for public

health professionals are discussed.

J

Environ Health. 2010 Jan-Feb;72(6):8-11; quiz 66.

Assessment

of athletic health care facility surfaces for MRSA in the secondary school

setting.

Montgomery K, TJ, Krause A, Starkey C.

E344

Grover Center, Ohio University, Athens 45701, USA.

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant

Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was once largely a hospital-acquired infection,

but increasingly, community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) is causing outbreaks

among otherwise healthy people in athletic settings. Secondary school athletic

trainers, student athletes, and the general student population may be at

elevated risk of MRSA infection. To identify

the prevalence of MRSA on surfaces in high school athletic training settings,

10 rural high school athletic training facilities and locker rooms were sampled

for MRSA. Results showed 90% of facilities had two or more positive MRSA

surfaces, while one school had no recoverable MRSA colonies. Of all surfaces

tested (N=90), 46.7% produced a positive result. From this

limited sample, it is evident that significant exposure opportunities to MRSA

exist in athletic training clinics and adjacent facilities for both the patient

and the clinician. Furthermore, the findings point to the need for community

hygiene education about skin and soft tissue infections like MRSA.

Clin

Lab Sci. 2009 Summer;22(3):176-84.

Methicillin

resistant Staphylococcus aureus: carriage rates and characterization of

students in a Texas university.

Rohde RE, Denham R, Brannon A.

Clinical

Laboratory Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, TX

78666-4616, USA. rrohde@...

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To

evaluate the carriage rates of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant

Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a university student population and describe

risk factors associated with the carriage of each. DESIGN: Cross-sectional

study (N = 203). Institutional Review Board approval was obtained from Texas

State University-San Marcos. SETTING: Texas State University-San Marcos, San

Marcos, TX. PARTICIPANTS: Two-hundred and three university student samples were

collected from December 2007 to July 2008. INTERVENTIONS: None indicated. MAIN

OUTCOME MEASURES: The sample set was screened for S. aureus and MRSA

identification by standard microbiological techniques and confirmed by use of a

Vitek 2 per manufacturer recommendation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was

conducted on each MRSA isolate by Vitek 2. A questionnaire was conducted with

each student to acquire demographic and risk factor information. Demographic

data is shown by raw numbers, percentages, mean, and median where applicable.

The compiled data was screened and analyzed by chi square (p values) and odds

ratio (OR) with confidence interval (CI) to determine significance. RESULTS: Of

the 203 participants who were screened, 60 (29.6%) carried S. aureus.

Univariate analysis found that only hospitalization in the past 12 months was

significantly associated with the risk of being a S. aureus carrier (OR=3.0,

95% CI 1.28-7.03). Of the 60 participants that carried S. aureus, 15 were

identified as MRSA. This relates to a 7.4%

MRSA carriage rate among generally healthy university students.

Univariate analysis found that hospitalization in the past 12 months (OR = 4.2,

95% CI 1.29-13.36) and recent skin infection (OR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.07-18.24) were

significantly associated with the risk of being a MRSA carrier. No unique

antibiotic susceptibility patterns were identified with the MRSA isolates.

CONCLUSIONS: The carriage rate of S. aureus is consistent with similar studies.

MRSA carriage in this university study appears high as compared to the general

population. Although this study did not confirm a variety of risk factors for

carriage of MRSA previously identified by others, university healthcare

personnel should be aware of the changing epidemiology of MRSA and preventive

measures needed to avoid outbreaks.

MMWR

Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2009 Jan 30;58(3):52-5.

Methicillin-resistant

Staphylococcus aureus among players on a high school football team--New York

City, 2007.

Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC).

Abstract

On September

12, 2007, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) was

notified of three players on a Brooklyn high school football team with

culture-confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and

soft tissue infections (SSTIs). During August 19--24, the team had attended a

preseason football training camp, where all 59 players on the team lived

together in the school gymnasium. An investigation by DOHMH revealed four

culture-confirmed and two suspected cases of MRSA among 51 players interviewed

(11.8% attack rate). Of the

six cases, three involved abscesses that required incision and drainage. The

risk for MRSA infection was higher among those who shared towels during the

training camp than among those who did not (relative risk [RR] = 8.2). In

addition, the six players with MRSA infections had a mean body mass index (BMI)

that was significantly higher than the mean for those who were not infected.

Multivariable logistic modeling determined that sharing towels during camp

(adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 15.7) and higher BMI (AOR = 1.4) were associated

independently with MRSA infection. Similar outbreaks have been reported among

football teams in which inadequate hygiene, combined with skin injuries and

living in close quarters, contributed to the spread of MRSA infection. Such

outbreaks might be prevented by better educating players and coaches regarding

SSTIs and by better promoting proper player hygiene, particularly during training

camps.

>

> Thanks asfy. Hand washing is good advice to remember. This particular

> teacher does not have the best hygiene and I am concerned. The son of one

> of her friends contracted MRSA, but they spent a lot of time with her.

>

>

>

> I will get the chance to ask my doctor soon. This last bout of

inflammation

> (exposed to a cold virus I think from one of my students) has now worked

its

> way into another infection. I just finished a 21 day burst of prednisone

> last Thursday, and am now starting another round with Levaquin. Then I get

> to go get another CT scan. I have a feeling surgery number 5 is in the

> cards for my summer break. This is so strange, but only my right side is

> swollen and tender. I have no signs of inflammation on the left. The last

> time I had an infection he scoped the left side and it was fine. When he

> went to scope the right side, it was so inflamed he couldn't even get the

> scope in to see anything. He said that side was literally swelled shut.

> Previous CT scans have looked fine, so I don't understand this. On top of

> being snotty, I am really getting cranky. Has anyone else had this

> one-sided issue?

>

>

>

> Amy

>

[Guest guest]

I have a general question about your comment about seeing into the frontal sinus. Do ENTs look inside the frontal and max sinus when they scope in the office, or are they just looking at the openings? I am very curious how far they can see. Does anyone know this?

Thanks

From: Amy <gongfy@...>samters Sent: Sat, May 1, 2010 8:17:30 PMSubject: RE: Re: MRSA

Thanks asfy,

Did the dentist thing – everything okay there. The last time he tried to scope the right side (after a round of prednisone and Levaquin- this was a follow up appointment from the swelled shut incident), he couldn’t see up into my right frontal sinus. He had previously cleared a left frontal sinus infection (1998) and the left side is still clear all the way up. That was when he suggested putting me on the waiting list for the balloon surgery – but my insurance company still won’t approve it. He did say that my sinuses look much worse under the scope than the CT would indicate. He said the right side is filled with polypoid inflamed tissue – whatever that means.

As for the teacher next door – long story short she is a cancer survivor, poor thing. They did so much radiation damage to her skin that she constantly has problems. Last year she underwent extensive surgery and skin grafts. That was when she contracted MRSA. She constantly has a wound pump and a port that has to be flushed. Her doctor told her to quit teaching – too many germs. But, it is her life. . . We are a pair, her and I!

So there you are. Round two of prednisone, probably another 5 pounds, and it sucks to be me right now L

Thanks for listening to my whining. I am sure once I get healthy again this summer I will be back to my usual cheerful attitude.

From: samters [mailto:samters ] On Behalf Of asfySent: Saturday, May 01, 2010 11:13 AMsamters Subject: Re: MRSA

Amy,

I would not be surprised that your colleague spread MRSA around by picking her nose, then shaking hands, etc.

But independently of that, MRSA prevalence is not negligible ; for instance a study showed that about 5% of workers in a hospital had MRSA. High schools are a good setting for MRSA transmission, especially in the gym (see other abstracts below), so even if your colleague next door had no MRSA, there still could be a lot a MRSA around.

Do note that in most immunocompetent people, MRSA is controlled by the immune system and does not give rise to infections - these people just serve as carriers, unless they have some immune event that helps the MRSA start an infection. It's just that when MRSA is passed on to someone who has some immune dysfunction, infections start more readily than in other people.

Regarding your one-sided inflammation, a general principle in ENT is that one-sided events have to be investigated just to rule out serious cases (nose cancers, foreign bodies etc). If nothing shows up on the CT scan, it would be a good idea to have a look with the endoscope when the area is less inflamed, and also to have a dental investigation to check if there is no inflamed, infected, or material-leaking upper jaw tooth that could be responsible for this. You could actually see a dentist for that.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2010 Apr 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Prevalence and Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus Colonization among Healthcare Professionals in an Urban Teaching Hospital.

Elie-Turenne MC, Fernandes H, Mediavilla JR, Rosenthal M, Mathema B, Singh A, Cohen TR, Pawar KA, Shahidi H, Kreiswirth

BN, Deitch EA.

From the Department of Emergency Medicine (M.-C.E.-T., H.S., T.R.C., K.A.P.), the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.-C.E.-T.) and the Department of Surgery (E.A.D.), New Jersey Medical School, the Department of Pathology (H.F.), the Public Health Research Institute (J.R.M., M.R., B.M., B.N.K.), and the Department of Health Informatics (A.S.), University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey; the Department of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (M.R.); the Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center (T.R.C.), and the Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University (K.A.P.), New York, New York.

Abstract

Objective. To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) who experience varying degrees of exposure to ambulatory patients and to genetically characterize isolates. Methods. This single-center, cross-sectional study enrolled 256 staff from the intensive care units, emergency department, and prehospital services of an urban tertiary care university hospital in 2008. Occupational histories and nasal samples for S. aureus cultures were obtained. S. aureus isolates were genetically characterized with the use of spa typing and screened for mecA. MRSA isolates underwent further characterization. Results. S. aureus was isolated from 112 of 256 (43.8%) HCPs, including 30 of 52 (57.7%) paramedics, 51 of 124 (41.1%) nurses, 11 of 28 (39.3%) clerical workers, and 20 of 52 (38.5%) physicians.

MRSA was isolated from 17 (6.6%) HCPs, including 1 (1.9%) paramedic, 13 (10.5%) nurses, 1 (3.6%) clerical worker, and 2 (3.8%) physicians. Among S. aureus isolates, 15.2% were MRSA. MRSA prevalence was 9.6% (12/125) in emergency department workers, 5.1% (4/79) in intensive care unit workers, and 1.9% (1/52) in emergency medical services workers. Compared with paramedics, who had the lowest prevalence of methicillin resistance among S. aureus isolates (1 of 30 [3.3%] isolates), nurses, who had the highest prevalence (13 of 51 [25.4%] isolates), had an odds ratio of 9.92 (95% confidence interval, 1.32-435.86; [Formula: see text]) for methicillin resistance. Analysis of 15 MRSA isolates revealed 7 USA100 strains, 6 USA300 strains, 1 USA800 strain, and 1 EMRSA-15 strain. All USA300 strains were isolated from emergency department personnel. Conclusions. The observed prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA

colonization among HCPs exceeds previously reported prevalences in the general population. The proportion of community-associated MRSA among all MRSA in this colonized HCP cohort reflects the distribution of the USA300 community-associated strain observed increasingly among US hospitalized patients.

Br J Biomed Sci. 2010;67(1):5-8.

Staphylococcus aureus nasal and hand carriage among students from a Portuguese health school.

Marques J, Barbosa J, Alves I, Moreira L.

Escola Superior de Saúde Piaget, Vila Nova Gaia, Portugal.

Abstract

This study aims to compare the frequency of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage among students from a Portuguese higher health school. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was also assayed in order to detect methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains among the isolates. Nasal swabs and fingerprints from 60 healthy nursing and pharmacy students were collected, followed by inoculation and incubation at 37 degrees C for 24 h. All suspected S. aureus isolates were identified by routine laboratory procedures. The susceptibility to antimicrobial agents (tetracycline, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, oxacillin and vancomycin) of confirmed isolates was determined by a disc-diffusion method. Results showed 41.7% S. aureus colonisation among participants, and that the difference between nursing and pharmacy students was statistically

significant. Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated that S. aureus isolates showed variable sensitivity to antibiotics but, most importantly, were resistant to oxacillin and vancomycin. Although the frequency and prevalence of colonisation found is within the range previously described in healthy populations, increased resistance to antimicrobials and higher prevalence of MRSA among the student community was found.

J Environ Health. 2010 Jan-Feb;72(6):12-6.

Prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in high school wrestling environments.

Stanforth B, Krause A, Starkey C, TJ.

E344 Grover Center, Ohio University, Athens 45701-2979, USA.

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) was predominantly a hospital-acquired organism; recently, however, community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) has been causing outbreaks in otherwise healthy individuals involved in athletics. As such, CA-MRSA is of emerging concern to sanitarians and public health officials. Secondary school athletic trainers and student athletes may be at elevated risk of spreading or contracting MRSA. The absence of proper hygiene protocols or equipment may further increase this risk. In the study discussed in this article, environmental samples were obtained to identify the prevalence of MRSA on surfaces in high school athletic training and wrestling facilities mats in nine rural Ohio high schools. Frequencies and descriptive statistics were prepared. All nine (100%) of the sites tested had at least one positive sample for the

presence of MRSA. The need for heightened sanitation, hygiene education of affected persons about skin and soft tissue infections like MRSA, and intervention opportunities for public health professionals are discussed.

J Environ Health. 2010 Jan-Feb;72(6):8-11; quiz 66.

Assessment of athletic health care facility surfaces for MRSA in the secondary school setting.

Montgomery K, TJ, Krause A, Starkey C.

E344 Grover Center, Ohio University, Athens 45701, USA.

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was once largely a hospital-acquired infection, but increasingly, community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) is causing outbreaks among otherwise healthy people in athletic settings. Secondary school athletic trainers, student athletes, and the general student population may be at elevated risk of MRSA infection. To identify the prevalence of MRSA on surfaces in high school athletic training settings, 10 rural high school athletic training facilities and locker rooms were sampled for MRSA. Results showed 90% of facilities had two or more positive MRSA surfaces, while one school had no recoverable MRSA colonies. Of all surfaces tested (N=90), 46.7% produced a positive result. From this limited sample, it is evident that significant exposure opportunities to MRSA exist in athletic training clinics and

adjacent facilities for both the patient and the clinician. Furthermore, the findings point to the need for community hygiene education about skin and soft tissue infections like MRSA.

Clin Lab Sci. 2009 Summer;22(3):176-84.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: carriage rates and characterization of students in a Texas university.

Rohde RE, Denham R, Brannon A.

Clinical Laboratory Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, TX 78666-4616, USA. rrohde@...

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the carriage rates of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a university student population and describe risk factors associated with the carriage of each. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (N = 203). Institutional Review Board approval was obtained from Texas State University-San Marcos. SETTING: Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, TX. PARTICIPANTS: Two-hundred and three university student samples were collected from December 2007 to July 2008. INTERVENTIONS: None indicated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The sample set was screened for S. aureus and MRSA identification by standard microbiological techniques and confirmed by use of a Vitek 2 per manufacturer recommendation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted on each MRSA isolate by Vitek 2. A questionnaire was conducted with each student to acquire demographic and risk

factor information. Demographic data is shown by raw numbers, percentages, mean, and median where applicable. The compiled data was screened and analyzed by chi square (p values) and odds ratio (OR) with confidence interval (CI) to determine significance. RESULTS: Of the 203 participants who were screened, 60 (29.6%) carried S. aureus. Univariate analysis found that only hospitalization in the past 12 months was significantly associated with the risk of being a S. aureus carrier (OR=3.0, 95% CI 1.28-7.03). Of the 60 participants that carried S. aureus, 15 were identified as MRSA. This relates to a 7.4% MRSA carriage rate among generally healthy university students. Univariate analysis found that hospitalization in the past 12 months (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.29-13.36) and recent skin infection (OR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.07-18.24) were significantly associated with the risk of being a MRSA carrier. No unique

antibiotic susceptibility patterns were identified with the MRSA isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The carriage rate of S. aureus is consistent with similar studies. MRSA carriage in this university study appears high as compared to the general population. Although this study did not confirm a variety of risk factors for carriage of MRSA previously identified by others, university healthcare personnel should be aware of the changing epidemiology of MRSA and preventive measures needed to avoid outbreaks.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2009 Jan 30;58(3):52-5.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among players on a high school football team--New York City, 2007.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Abstract

On September 12, 2007, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) was notified of three players on a Brooklyn high school football team with culture-confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). During August 19--24, the team had attended a preseason football training camp, where all 59 players on the team lived together in the school gymnasium. An investigation by DOHMH revealed four culture-confirmed and two suspected cases of MRSA among 51 players interviewed (11.8% attack rate). Of the six cases, three involved abscesses that required incision and drainage. The risk for MRSA infection was higher among those who shared towels during the training camp than among those who did not (relative risk [RR] = 8.2). In addition, the six players with MRSA infections had a mean

body mass index (BMI) that was significantly higher than the mean for those who were not infected. Multivariable logistic modeling determined that sharing towels during camp (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 15.7) and higher BMI (AOR = 1.4) were associated independently with MRSA infection. Similar outbreaks have been reported among football teams in which inadequate hygiene, combined with skin injuries and living in close quarters, contributed to the spread of MRSA infection. Such outbreaks might be prevented by better educating players and coaches regarding SSTIs and by better promoting proper player hygiene, particularly during training camps.

>> Thanks asfy. Hand washing is good advice to remember. This particular> teacher does not have the best hygiene and I am concerned. The son of one> of her friends contracted MRSA, but they spent a lot of time with her. > > > > I will get the chance to ask my doctor soon. This last bout of inflammation> (exposed to a cold virus I think from one of my students) has now worked its> way into another infection. I just finished a 21 day burst of prednisone> last Thursday, and am now starting another round with Levaquin. Then I get> to go get another CT scan. I have a feeling surgery number 5 is in the> cards for my summer break. This is so strange, but only my right side is> swollen and tender. I have no signs of inflammation on the left. The last> time I had an

infection he scoped the left side and it was fine. When he> went to scope the right side, it was so inflamed he couldn't even get the> scope in to see anything. He said that side was literally swelled shut.> Previous CT scans have looked fine, so I don't understand this. On top of> being snotty, I am really getting cranky. Has anyone else had this> one-sided issue?> > > > Amy>

[Guest guest]

Amy,Inflamed polypoid tissue is just what it means : your right frontal is inflamed and full of polyps. If nothing clears this, then it is possible that only surgery will. I still can't see why right frontal infections don't spread to the rest of your sinuses, but it's obviously better than having them spread.If your colleague's MRSA is on her skin, is localized on a wound site and therefore accessible to local treatment, you could suggest her to try Manuka honey applied under the wound dressing. Several trials have shown that it is efficient, even against MRSA-infected wounds.The Manuka honey used in wound-healing trials has a high UMF rating and is sterile (has been irradiated to kill spores, germs, etc exactly like irradiated food ; it does not carry any residual radiation) - your colleague should make sure any honey she uses has these two features.http://www.manukahoney.co.nz/template.cfm?content=whatumf & nav=whatumfAlternatively, Microcyn is another wound care product :http://www.oculusis.com/ J Clin Nurs. 2009 Feb;18(3):466-74. Epub 2008 Aug 23.Manuka honey vs. hydrogel--a prospective, open label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial to compare desloughing efficacy and healing outcomes in venous ulcers.Gethin G, Cowman S.Dip Anatomy, Dip Applied Physiology, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. ggethin@...Comment in:Evid Based Med. 2009 Oct;14(5):148.AbstractOBJECTIVE: Comparison of desloughing efficacy after four weeks and healing outcomes after 12 weeks in sloughy venous leg ulcers treated with Manuka honey (Woundcare 18+) vs. standard hydrogel therapy (IntraSite Gel). BACKGROUND: Expert opinion suggests that Manuka honey is effective as a desloughing agent but clinical evidence in the form of a randomised controlled trial is not available. There is a paucity of research which uses Manuka honey in venous ulcers. DESIGN: Prospective, multicentre, open label randomised controlled trial. METHOD: Randomisation was via remote telephone. One hundred and eight patients with venous leg ulcers having >or=50% wound area covered in slough, not taking antibiotics or immunosuppressant therapy were recruited from vascular centres, acute and community care hospitals and leg ulcer clinics. The efficacy of WoundCare 18+ to deslough the wounds after four weeks and its impact on healing after 12 weeks when compared with IntraSite Gel control was determined. Treatment was applied weekly for four weeks and follow-up was made at week 12. RESULTS: At week 4, mean % reduction in slough was 67% WoundCare 18+ vs. 52.9% IntraSite Gel (p = 0.054). Mean wound area covered in slough reduced to 29% and 43%, respectively (p = 0.065). Median reduction in wound size was 34% vs. 13% (p = 0.001). At 12 weeks, 44% vs. 33% healed (p = 0.037). Wounds having >50% reduction in slough had greater probability of healing at week 12 (95% confidence interval 1.12, 9.7; risk ratio 3.3; p = 0.029). Infection developed in 6 of the WoundCare 18+ group vs. 12 in the IntraSite Gel group. CONCLUSION: The WoundCare 18+ group had increased incidence of healing, effective desloughing and a lower incidence of infection than the control. Manuka honey has therapeutic value and further research is required to examine its use in other wound aetiologies. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study confirms that Manuka honey may be considered by clinicians for use in sloughy venous ulcers. Additionally, effective desloughing significantly improves healing outcomes.Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008 Jan;46(1):55-6. Epub 2006 Nov 20.Manuka honey dressing: An effective treatment for chronic wound infections.Visavadia BG, Honeysett J, Danford MH.Maxillofacial Unit, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford Surrey, UK. bhavin.visavadia@...Comment in:Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008 Apr;46(3):258.AbstractThe battle against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound infection is becoming more difficult as drug resistance is widespread and the incidence of MRSA in the community increases. Manuka honey dressing has long been available as a non-antibiotic treatment in the management of chronic wound infections. We have been using honey-impregnated dressings successfully in our wound care clinic and on the maxillofacial ward for over a year.Int Wound J. 2005 Mar;2(1):10-5.Case series of use of Manuka honey in leg ulceration.Gethin G, Cowman S.Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland (Republic). ggethin@...AbstractGethin G, Cowman S. Case series of use of Manuka honey in leg ulceration. Abstract The historical and current literature reports the successful use of honey to manage a diversity of wound aetiologies. However, only in the last 40 years is research on its mode of action and contribution to wound healing being investigated. The challenge of managing chronic non healing wounds generated interest in researching non standard therapies. The aims of the study were to gain insight into the practical use of Manuka honey in wound management. The objective was to test the feasibility of further rigorous research into the use of honey in the management of chronic wounds. Instrumental case series were used to examine the use of Manuka honey in eight cases of leg ulceration. To collect the necessary data, photographs, acetate tracings, data monitoring and patient comments and observations were used to add greater reliability and validity to the findings. The wounds were dressed weekly with Manuka honey. The results obtained showed three males and five females with ulceration of different aetiologies were studied. A mean initial wound size for all wounds of 5.62 cm(2) was obtained. At the end of four-week treatment period, the mean size was 2.25 cm(2). Odour was eliminated and pain reduced. The conclusions drawn were that the use of Manuka honey was associated with a positive wound-healing outcome in these eight cases. Arterial wounds showed minimal improvement only.> >> > Thanks asfy. Hand washing is good advice to remember. This particular> > teacher does not have the best hygiene and I am concerned. The son of one> > of her friends contracted MRSA, but they spent a lot of time with her. > > > > > > > > I will get the chance to ask my doctor soon. This last bout of> inflammation> > (exposed to a cold virus I think from one of my students) has now worked> its> > way into another infection. I just finished a 21 day burst of prednisone> > last Thursday, and am now starting another round with Levaquin. Then I get> > to go get another CT scan. I have a feeling surgery number 5 is in the> > cards for my summer break. This is so strange, but only my right side is> > swollen and tender. I have no signs of inflammation on the left. The last> > time I had an infection he scoped the left side and it was fine. When he> > went to scope the right side, it was so inflamed he couldn't even get the> > scope in to see anything. He said that side was literally swelled shut.> > Previous CT scans have looked fine, so I don't understand this. On top of> > being snotty, I am really getting cranky. Has anyone else had this> > one-sided issue?> > > > > > > > Amy> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi and Amy,

, my ENT's look into my sinuses with the tuby probe with the light on the end so they can get right up there - they can mostly get into my left frontal and illuminate it, but are never able to get near my right frontal. A recent CT scan shows my right frontal is totally blocked with polyps and yuck, as is the area around it. i am hoping my operation in June will clear this.

Amy, hang on in there...I'm back on prednisolone again now, and it always makes me a bit stressy - though I rarely put on weight - I just get anxious and can't sleep. Lovely side-effects!

Becky xxx

From: Redmund <cathyredmund@...>samters Sent: Sun, 2 May, 2010 2:18:55Subject: Re: Re: MRSA

I have a general question about your comment about seeing into the frontal sinus. Do ENTs look inside the frontal and max sinus when they scope in the office, or are they just looking at the openings? I am very curious how far they can see. Does anyone know this?

Thanks

From: Amy <gongfycomcast (DOT) net>samters@groups .comSent: Sat, May 1, 2010 8:17:30 PMSubject: RE: Re: MRSA

Thanks asfy,

Did the dentist thing – everything okay there. The last time he tried to scope the right side (after a round of prednisone and Levaquin- this was a follow up appointment from the swelled shut incident), he couldn’t see up into my right frontal sinus. He had previously cleared a left frontal sinus infection (1998) and the left side is still clear all the way up. That was when he suggested putting me on the waiting list for the balloon surgery – but my insurance company still won’t approve it. He did say that my sinuses look much worse under the scope than the CT would indicate. He said the right side is filled with polypoid inflamed tissue – whatever that means.

As for the teacher next door – long story short she is a cancer survivor, poor thing. They did so much radiation damage to her skin that she constantly has problems. Last year she underwent extensive surgery and skin grafts. That was when she contracted MRSA. She constantly has a wound pump and a port that has to be flushed. Her doctor told her to quit teaching – too many germs. But, it is her life. . . We are a pair, her and I!

So there you are. Round two of prednisone, probably another 5 pounds, and it sucks to be me right now L

Thanks for listening to my whining. I am sure once I get healthy again this summer I will be back to my usual cheerful attitude.

From: samters@groups .com [mailto:samters] On Behalf Of asfySent: Saturday, May 01, 2010 11:13 AMsamters@groups .comSubject: Re: MRSA

Amy,

I would not be surprised that your colleague spread MRSA around by picking her nose, then shaking hands, etc.

But independently of that, MRSA prevalence is not negligible ; for instance a study showed that about 5% of workers in a hospital had MRSA. High schools are a good setting for MRSA transmission, especially in the gym (see other abstracts below), so even if your colleague next door had no MRSA, there still could be a lot a MRSA around.

Do note that in most immunocompetent people, MRSA is controlled by the immune system and does not give rise to infections - these people just serve as carriers, unless they have some immune event that helps the MRSA start an infection. It's just that when MRSA is passed on to someone who has some immune dysfunction, infections start more readily than in other people.

Regarding your one-sided inflammation, a general principle in ENT is that one-sided events have to be investigated just to rule out serious cases (nose cancers, foreign bodies etc). If nothing shows up on the CT scan, it would be a good idea to have a look with the endoscope when the area is less inflamed, and also to have a dental investigation to check if there is no inflamed, infected, or material-leaking upper jaw tooth that could be responsible for this. You could actually see a dentist for that.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2010 Apr 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Prevalence and Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus Colonization among Healthcare Professionals in an Urban Teaching Hospital.

Elie-Turenne MC, Fernandes H, Mediavilla JR, Rosenthal M, Mathema B, Singh A, Cohen TR, Pawar KA, Shahidi H, Kreiswirth BN, Deitch EA.

From the Department of Emergency Medicine (M.-C.E.-T., H.S., T.R.C., K.A.P.), the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.-C.E.-T.) and the Department of Surgery (E.A.D.), New Jersey Medical School, the Department of Pathology (H.F.), the Public Health Research Institute (J.R.M., M.R., B.M., B.N.K.), and the Department of Health Informatics (A.S.), University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey; the Department of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (M.R.); the Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center (T.R.C.), and the Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University (K.A.P.), New York, New York.

Abstract

Objective. To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin- resistant S. aureus (MRSA) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) who experience varying degrees of exposure to ambulatory patients and to genetically characterize isolates. Methods. This single-center, cross-sectional study enrolled 256 staff from the intensive care units, emergency department, and prehospital services of an urban tertiary care university hospital in 2008. Occupational histories and nasal samples for S. aureus cultures were obtained. S. aureus isolates were genetically characterized with the use of spa typing and screened for mecA. MRSA isolates underwent further characterization. Results. S. aureus was isolated from 112 of 256 (43.8%) HCPs, including 30 of 52 (57.7%) paramedics, 51 of 124 (41.1%) nurses, 11 of 28 (39.3%) clerical workers, and 20 of 52 (38.5%) physicians. MRSA was isolated from 17 (6.6%) HCPs, including 1 (1.9%) paramedic, 13 (10.5%) nurses, 1 (3.6%) clerical worker, and 2 (3.8%) physicians. Among S. aureus isolates, 15.2% were MRSA. MRSA prevalence was 9.6% (12/125) in emergency department workers, 5.1% (4/79) in intensive care unit workers, and 1.9% (1/52) in emergency medical services workers. Compared with paramedics, who had the lowest prevalence of methicillin resistance among S. aureus isolates (1 of 30 [3.3%] isolates), nurses, who had the highest prevalence (13 of 51 [25.4%] isolates), had an odds ratio of 9.92 (95% confidence interval, 1.32-435.86; [Formula: see text]) for methicillin resistance. Analysis of 15 MRSA isolates revealed 7 USA100 strains, 6 USA300 strains, 1 USA800 strain, and 1 EMRSA-15 strain. All USA300 strains were isolated from emergency department personnel. Conclusions. The observed prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA colonization

among HCPs exceeds previously reported prevalences in the general population. The proportion of community-associate d MRSA among all MRSA in this colonized HCP cohort reflects the distribution of the USA300 community-associate d strain observed increasingly among US hospitalized patients.

Br J Biomed Sci. 2010;67(1):5- 8.

Staphylococcus aureus nasal and hand carriage among students from a Portuguese health school.

Marques J, Barbosa J, Alves I, Moreira L.

Escola Superior de Saúde Piaget, Vila Nova Gaia, Portugal.

Abstract

This study aims to compare the frequency of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage among students from a Portuguese higher health school. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was also assayed in order to detect methicillin- resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains among the isolates. Nasal swabs and fingerprints from 60 healthy nursing and pharmacy students were collected, followed by inoculation and incubation at 37 degrees C for 24 h. All suspected S. aureus isolates were identified by routine laboratory procedures. The susceptibility to antimicrobial agents (tetracycline, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid, trimethoprim/ sulphamethoxazol e, oxacillin and vancomycin) of confirmed isolates was determined by a disc-diffusion method. Results showed 41.7% S. aureus colonisation among participants, and that the difference between nursing and pharmacy students was statistically significant. Antibiotic

susceptibility testing demonstrated that S. aureus isolates showed variable sensitivity to antibiotics but, most importantly, were resistant to oxacillin and vancomycin. Although the frequency and prevalence of colonisation found is within the range previously described in healthy populations, increased resistance to antimicrobials and higher prevalence of MRSA among the student community was found.

J Environ Health. 2010 Jan-Feb;72(6) :12-6.

Prevalence of community-associate d methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus in high school wrestling environments.

Stanforth B, Krause A, Starkey C, TJ.

E344 Grover Center, Ohio University, Athens 45701-2979, USA.

Abstract

Methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) was predominantly a hospital-acquired organism; recently, however, community-associate d MRSA (CA-MRSA) has been causing outbreaks in otherwise healthy individuals involved in athletics. As such, CA-MRSA is of emerging concern to sanitarians and public health officials. Secondary school athletic trainers and student athletes may be at elevated risk of spreading or contracting MRSA. The absence of proper hygiene protocols or equipment may further increase this risk. In the study discussed in this article, environmental samples were obtained to identify the prevalence of MRSA on surfaces in high school athletic training and wrestling facilities mats in nine rural Ohio high schools. Frequencies and descriptive statistics were prepared. All nine (100%) of the sites tested had at least one positive sample for the presence of

MRSA. The need for heightened sanitation, hygiene education of affected persons about skin and soft tissue infections like MRSA, and intervention opportunities for public health professionals are discussed.

J Environ Health. 2010 Jan-Feb;72(6) :8-11; quiz 66.

Assessment of athletic health care facility surfaces for MRSA in the secondary school setting.

Montgomery K, TJ, Krause A, Starkey C.

E344 Grover Center, Ohio University, Athens 45701, USA.

Abstract

Methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was once largely a hospital-acquired infection, but increasingly, community-associate d MRSA (CA-MRSA) is causing outbreaks among otherwise healthy people in athletic settings. Secondary school athletic trainers, student athletes, and the general student population may be at elevated risk of MRSA infection. To identify the prevalence of MRSA on surfaces in high school athletic training settings, 10 rural high school athletic training facilities and locker rooms were sampled for MRSA. Results showed 90% of facilities had two or more positive MRSA surfaces, while one school had no recoverable MRSA colonies. Of all surfaces tested (N=90), 46.7% produced a positive result. From this limited sample, it is evident that significant exposure opportunities to MRSA exist in athletic training clinics and adjacent facilities for both

the patient and the clinician. Furthermore, the findings point to the need for community hygiene education about skin and soft tissue infections like MRSA.

Clin Lab Sci. 2009 Summer;22(3) :176-84.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: carriage rates and characterization of students in a Texas university.

Rohde RE, Denham R, Brannon A.

Clinical Laboratory Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, TX 78666-4616, USA. rrohdetxstate (DOT) edu

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the carriage rates of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a university student population and describe risk factors associated with the carriage of each. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (N = 203). Institutional Review Board approval was obtained from Texas State University-San Marcos. SETTING: Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, TX. PARTICIPANTS: Two-hundred and three university student samples were collected from December 2007 to July 2008. INTERVENTIONS: None indicated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The sample set was screened for S. aureus and MRSA identification by standard microbiological techniques and confirmed by use of a Vitek 2 per manufacturer recommendation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted on each MRSA isolate by Vitek 2. A questionnaire was conducted with each student to acquire demographic and risk factor information.

Demographic data is shown by raw numbers, percentages, mean, and median where applicable. The compiled data was screened and analyzed by chi square (p values) and odds ratio (OR) with confidence interval (CI) to determine significance. RESULTS: Of the 203 participants who were screened, 60 (29.6%) carried S. aureus. Univariate analysis found that only hospitalization in the past 12 months was significantly associated with the risk of being a S. aureus carrier (OR=3.0, 95% CI 1.28-7.03). Of the 60 participants that carried S. aureus, 15 were identified as MRSA. This relates to a 7.4% MRSA carriage rate among generally healthy university students. Univariate analysis found that hospitalization in the past 12 months (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.29-13.36) and recent skin infection (OR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.07-18.24) were significantly associated with the risk of being a MRSA carrier. No unique antibiotic susceptibility

patterns were identified with the MRSA isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The carriage rate of S. aureus is consistent with similar studies. MRSA carriage in this university study appears high as compared to the general population. Although this study did not confirm a variety of risk factors for carriage of MRSA previously identified by others, university healthcare personnel should be aware of the changing epidemiology of MRSA and preventive measures needed to avoid outbreaks.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2009 Jan 30;58(3):52- 5.

Methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus among players on a high school football team--New York City, 2007.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Abstract

On September 12, 2007, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) was notified of three players on a Brooklyn high school football team with culture-confirmed methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). During August 19--24, the team had attended a preseason football training camp, where all 59 players on the team lived together in the school gymnasium. An investigation by DOHMH revealed four culture-confirmed and two suspected cases of MRSA among 51 players interviewed (11.8% attack rate). Of the six cases, three involved abscesses that required incision and drainage. The risk for MRSA infection was higher among those who shared towels during the training camp than among those who did not (relative risk [RR] = 8.2). In addition, the six players with MRSA infections had a mean body mass index (BMI) that

was significantly higher than the mean for those who were not infected. Multivariable logistic modeling determined that sharing towels during camp (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 15.7) and higher BMI (AOR = 1.4) were associated independently with MRSA infection. Similar outbreaks have been reported among football teams in which inadequate hygiene, combined with skin injuries and living in close quarters, contributed to the spread of MRSA infection. Such outbreaks might be prevented by better educating players and coaches regarding SSTIs and by better promoting proper player hygiene, particularly during training camps.

>> Thanks asfy. Hand washing is good advice to remember. This particular> teacher does not have the best hygiene and I am concerned. The son of one> of her friends contracted MRSA, but they spent a lot of time with her. > > > > I will get the chance to ask my doctor soon. This last bout of inflammation> (exposed to a cold virus I think from one of my students) has now worked its> way into another infection. I just finished a 21 day burst of prednisone> last Thursday, and am now starting another round with Levaquin. Then I get> to go get another CT scan. I have a feeling surgery number 5 is in the> cards for my summer break. This is so strange, but only my right side is> swollen and tender. I have no signs of inflammation on the left. The last> time I had an

infection he scoped the left side and it was fine. When he> went to scope the right side, it was so inflamed he couldn't even get the> scope in to see anything. He said that side was literally swelled shut.> Previous CT scans have looked fine, so I don't understand this. On top of> being snotty, I am really getting cranky. Has anyone else had this> one-sided issue?> > > > Amy>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for this asfy. I still am having the problem of my nose and septum not healing on one side -- it has has been cauterized and I've used mupirocin and, as that didn't seem to help, plain k-y jelly. But I still have crusting and nose bleeds and a lot of pain. I've ordered both the microcyn and manuka honey (thanks for the link to honey specifically for wound care) and will first try which ever arrives first. I've got to find some solution as this constant discomfort is very wearing.JoanOn May 2, 2010, at 12:30 AM, asfy wrote:

Amy,Inflamed polypoid tissue is just what it means : your right frontal is inflamed and full of polyps. If nothing clears this, then it is possible that only surgery will. I still can't see why right frontal infections don't spread to the rest of your sinuses, but it's obviously better than having them spread.If your colleague's MRSA is on her skin, is localized on a wound site and therefore accessible to local treatment, you could suggest her to try Manuka honey applied under the wound dressing. Several trials have shown that it is efficient, even against MRSA-infected wounds.The Manuka honey used in wound-healing trials has a high UMF rating and is sterile (has been irradiated to kill spores, germs, etc exactly like irradiated food ; it does not carry any residual radiation) - your colleague should make sure any honey she uses has these two features.http://www.manukahoney.co.nz/template.cfm?content=whatumf & nav=whatumfAlternatively, Microcyn is another wound care product :http://www.oculusis.com/ J Clin Nurs. 2009 Feb;18(3):466-74. Epub 2008 Aug 23.Manuka honey vs. hydrogel--a prospective, open label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial to compare desloughing efficacy and healing outcomes in venous ulcers.Gethin G, Cowman S.Dip Anatomy, Dip Applied Physiology, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. ggethinrcsi (DOT) ieComment in:Evid Based Med. 2009 Oct;14(5):148.AbstractOBJECTIVE: Comparison of desloughing efficacy after four weeks and healing outcomes after 12 weeks in sloughy venous leg ulcers treated with Manuka honey (Woundcare 18+) vs. standard hydrogel therapy (IntraSite Gel). BACKGROUND: Expert opinion suggests that Manuka honey is effective as a desloughing agent but clinical evidence in the form of a randomised controlled trial is not available. There is a paucity of research which uses Manuka honey in venous ulcers. DESIGN: Prospective, multicentre, open label randomised controlled trial. METHOD: Randomisation was via remote telephone. One hundred and eight patients with venous leg ulcers having >or=50% wound area covered in slough, not taking antibiotics or immunosuppressant therapy were recruited from vascular centres, acute and community care hospitals and leg ulcer clinics. The efficacy of WoundCare 18+ to deslough the wounds after four weeks and its impact on healing after 12 weeks when compared with IntraSite Gel control was determined. Treatment was applied weekly for four weeks and follow-up was made at week 12. RESULTS: At week 4, mean % reduction in slough was 67% WoundCare 18+ vs. 52.9% IntraSite Gel (p = 0.054). Mean wound area covered in slough reduced to 29% and 43%, respectively (p = 0.065). Median reduction in wound size was 34% vs. 13% (p = 0.001). At 12 weeks, 44% vs. 33% healed (p = 0.037). Wounds having >50% reduction in slough had greater probability of healing at week 12 (95% confidence interval 1.12, 9.7; risk ratio 3.3; p = 0.029). Infection developed in 6 of the WoundCare 18+ group vs. 12 in the IntraSite Gel group. CONCLUSION: The WoundCare 18+ group had increased incidence of healing, effective desloughing and a lower incidence of infection than the control. Manuka honey has therapeutic value and further research is required to examine its use in other wound aetiologies. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study confirms that Manuka honey may be considered by clinicians for use in sloughy venous ulcers. Additionally, effective desloughing significantly improves healing outcomes.Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008 Jan;46(1):55-6. Epub 2006 Nov 20.Manuka honey dressing: An effective treatment for chronic wound infections.Visavadia BG, Honeysett J, Danford MH.Maxillofacial Unit, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford Surrey, UK. bhavin.visavadianwlh (DOT) nhs.ukComment in:Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008 Apr;46(3):258.AbstractThe battle against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound infection is becoming more difficult as drug resistance is widespread and the incidence of MRSA in the community increases. Manuka honey dressing has long been available as a non-antibiotic treatment in the management of chronic wound infections. We have been using honey-impregnated dressings successfully in our wound care clinic and on the maxillofacial ward for over a year.Int Wound J. 2005 Mar;2(1):10-5.Case series of use of Manuka honey in leg ulceration.Gethin G, Cowman S.Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland (Republic). ggethineircom (DOT) netAbstractGethin G, Cowman S. Case series of use of Manuka honey in leg ulceration. Abstract The historical and current literature reports the successful use of honey to manage a diversity of wound aetiologies. However, only in the last 40 years is research on its mode of action and contribution to wound healing being investigated. The challenge of managing chronic non healing wounds generated interest in researching non standard therapies. The aims of the study were to gain insight into the practical use of Manuka honey in wound management. The objective was to test the feasibility of further rigorous research into the use of honey in the management of chronic wounds. Instrumental case series were used to examine the use of Manuka honey in eight cases of leg ulceration. To collect the necessary data, photographs, acetate tracings, data monitoring and patient comments and observations were used to add greater reliability and validity to the findings. The wounds were dressed weekly with Manuka honey. The results obtained showed three males and five females with ulceration of different aetiologies were studied. A mean initial wound size for all wounds of 5.62 cm(2) was obtained. At the end of four-week treatment period, the mean size was 2.25 cm(2). Odour was eliminated and pain reduced. The conclusions drawn were that the use of Manuka honey was associated with a positive wound-healing outcome in these eight cases. Arterial wounds showed minimal improvement only.> >> > Thanks asfy. Hand washing is good advice to remember. This particular> > teacher does not have the best hygiene and I am concerned. The son of one> > of her friends contracted MRSA, but they spent a lot of time with her. > > > > > > > > I will get the chance to ask my doctor soon. This last bout of> inflammation> > (exposed to a cold virus I think from one of my students) has now worked> its> > way into another infection. I just finished a 21 day burst of prednisone> > last Thursday, and am now starting another round with Levaquin. Then I get> > to go get another CT scan. I have a feeling surgery number 5 is in the> > cards for my summer break. This is so strange, but only my right side is> > swollen and tender. I have no signs of inflammation on the left. The last> > time I had an infection he scoped the left side and it was fine. When he> > went to scope the right side, it was so inflamed he couldn't even get the> > scope in to see anything. He said that side was literally swelled shut.> > Previous CT scans have looked fine, so I don't understand this. On top of> > being snotty, I am really getting cranky. Has anyone else had this> > one-sided issue?> > > > > > > > Amy> >>

[Guest guest]

Terri

If it is MRSA, then you need to also be conscious of the environment in your home.

I am sure you clean the house, but often these viruses are not affected and remain

present.

There are 2 products that I use for environmental cleaning that will kill MRSA and they

are safe products to use. One is harder to get only because it is only sold in very large

quantities, usually not over the counter. The other is an enzyme based product called

SAFE SOLUTIONS which can be gotten in pint size quantities. It is concentration so the

intitial price is really quite reasonable. I discovered it about 3 yrs ago and use it for

environmental cleaning of anything organic, which includes viruses and other micro-

organisms. It can be used on counters,furniture, carpets, etc. It's natural peppermint

content is an organic anti-viral.

Even with CS products, keep up the high dosage Vit C and add high dosage Vit D3

which is critical for immune health. If you do blood tests, you might be surprised at

the low levels that might show up. 71% of caucasions in this country are very deficient

in Vit D. People of color have much higher deficiencies. This is a major contributor

to people's loss of resistence to the development of harmful organisms.

And again, homeopathy will work and be cheaper than all the supplements that are

now lining your shelves.

tanya

tamarque@...

[Guest guest]

Terri

If it is MRSA, then you need to also be conscious of the environment in your home.

I am sure you clean the house, but often these viruses are not affected and remain

present.

There are 2 products that I use for environmental cleaning that will kill MRSA and they

are safe products to use. One is harder to get only because it is only sold in very large

quantities, usually not over the counter. The other is an enzyme based product called

SAFE SOLUTIONS which can be gotten in pint size quantities. It is concentration so the

intitial price is really quite reasonable. I discovered it about 3 yrs ago and use it for

environmental cleaning of anything organic, which includes viruses and other micro-

organisms. It can be used on counters,furniture, carpets, etc. It's natural peppermint

content is an organic anti-viral.

Even with CS products, keep up the high dosage Vit C and add high dosage Vit D3

which is critical for immune health. If you do blood tests, you might be surprised at

the low levels that might show up. 71% of caucasions in this country are very deficient

in Vit D. People of color have much higher deficiencies. This is a major contributor

to people's loss of resistence to the development of harmful organisms.

And again, homeopathy will work and be cheaper than all the supplements that are

now lining your shelves.

tanya

tamarque@...