Researchers Find New, Deadlier Strain of MRSA ‘Super Bug’ Infection

There is bad news today in the battle against MRSA, the deadly drug-resistant strain of staph infection that has spread from hospitals into other public areas.

Medical researchers say they have identified a new strain of the infection that is five times more deadly than previously known strains. The new strain, called USA600, may also be at least partially immune to vancomycin, an antibiotic drug that is widely used to treat MRSA infections, researchers said, according to a HealthDay news report.

“While many MRSA strains are associated with poor outcomes, the USA600 strain has shown to be more lethal and cause high mortality rates,” said Dr. Carol Moore, the study’s lead author.

Study Finds 50% Fatality Rate From New MRSA Strain

The study led by the Henry Ford Health System found that half of patients infected with the particular strain of MRSA died within a month of contracting it. That is alarming because usually only 10 to 30 percent of people who acquire MRSA infections in the bloodstream die within a month, according to the study.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA for short, most often causes infections of the skin and bloodstream. The most serious cases of the infection can lead to deadly pneumonia and other severe health complications.

In most cases, the infection is spread from person to person through unsanitary conditions in hospitals, schools, and other public areas.

MRSA Spreading Outside Hospitals

For years, MRSA was found almost exclusively in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other healthcare settings. However, more recently, it has spread to other areas. MRSA outbreaks have been reported in schools, gyms, locker rooms, daycare centers, jails, military barracks, and other places where many people are living or congregating together in close quarters.

Also, MRSA has been found to be spread on dirty medical imaging equipment, stethoscopes used by paramedics, and even licks and kisses from the family pet.

The USA600 strain may be unique, but researchers said other factors, such as the age of the infected patients, may play a role in how deadly it is. The average age of those in the study who contracted the new, deadlier strain of MRSA was 64, compared to 52 years old for MRSA.

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