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Superbug Strikes Gay Men

Resistant new strain of MRSA spreading fast

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 15, 2008 7:54 AM CST
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(Newser) – A new strain of the "flesh-eating" bacteria MRSA is spreading rapidly among gay men in Boston and San Francisco and there are warnings it could extend to a larger population, the New York Times reports. The drug-resistant strain seems to be spreading largely by sexual contact, but it can also be passed via skin contact or simply by touching a contaminated surface, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Researchers warned the new strain “has the potential for rapid, nationwide dissemination" among gay men. "Once this reaches the general population, it will be truly unstoppable," a doctor warned. "That's why we're trying to spread the message of prevention." He added that careful washing with soap and water is the best way to avoid infection. Nearly 19,000 people died in the US from MRSA infections in 2005.

Researchers found that the new strain of MRSA was highly resistant to antibiotics that have been used in the past. Their research found that in San Francisco, gay men were 13 times more likely to have the strain.
Researchers found that the new strain of MRSA was highly resistant to antibiotics that have been used in the past. Their research found that in San Francisco, gay men were 13 times more likely to have...   (KRT Photos)
Jose Trevino, right, and Sean Brice, left, wipe down surfaces in a classroom at Walter Payton College Prep High School on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, in Chicago. Staph infections, including the serious Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, spread through schools across the nation last September. (AP Photo/Jerry Lai)
Jose Trevino, right, and Sean Brice, left, wipe down surfaces in a classroom at Walter Payton College Prep High School on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, in Chicago. Staph infections, including the serious Methicillin-resistant...   (Associated Press)
Nearly 20,000 Americans died from MRSA in 2005 and a new, drug-resistant strain has researchers very worried. The strain is spreading quickly among gay men in San Francisco and Boston.
Nearly 20,000 Americans died from MRSA in 2005 and a new, drug-resistant strain has researchers very worried. The strain is spreading quickly among gay men in San Francisco and Boston.   (KRT Photos)
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San Francisco epicenter for infections from new strain
San Francisco Chronicle

Beating the superbug
Los Angeles Times

Study on MRSA
Annals of Internal Medicine

 
San Francisco • Boston • staph infections • superbug • antibiotics • MRSA

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