Staph bacteria are like any other organism, in that they evolve to improve their odds of survival, and they do this quite quickly. Given good nutrient source to reproduce, a bacterium can divide into two new cells in about 30 minutes. Over the years staph developed so much resistance to penicillin, that nearly all are resistant to typical penicillins like Penicillin G and V, and Amoxicillin.

One of the most troublesome of these bacteria has been Staphylococcus aureus. Two factors seem to have combined to produce this germ. First, this strain of staph is more virulent, or invasive and aggressive at infecting people. Second, many of the staph of this virulent strain have developed resistance to even the new commonly used special synthetic beta-lactamase resistant penicillins, like Methacillin. This problematic bacteria is called Methacillin-Resistant Staphlococcus Aureus or more commonly MRSA.

MRSA has led many people to developing skin infections and abscesses with bacteria that are difficult to control and let the body heal from the infection. Even more difficult is the eradication of the tough staph germ from the normal skin and nasal passage flora, making recurrent MRSA infections very common. Older antibiotics still have some effectiveness against MRSA such as doxycyline, minocycline, and some sulfa drugs, but the primary treatment for MRSA abscesses is to surgically drain the abscess. This allows the body to fight the infection better. Many regimens have been developed to try to eradicate the body of the MRSA, with mixed efficacy.

Staph or MRSA infection often looks like a pimple or boil that can be red, swollen, and painful. If you think that you may have a skin infection or possibly MRSA, the most important thing to do is come into the office and seek early treatment, before the skin infection involves large areas or invades deep skin structures.

For any further questions, I recommend the Pierce County Health Department brochure available with suggestions for patients who have developed MRSA infections. You can download that document at http://www.tpchd.org/files/library/3550750db4a81b14.pdf

Another informational website is the Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html.

People from all over the Puget Sound will gather at Emerald Ridge High School (this year Sparks Stadium will be under construction/remodeling) to walk from June 22nd to the 23rd in the Race for the Cure. The relay is more than just a continuous walk, jog, or run around a track. It’s a time to remember those who have died from cancer, to celebrate those who survived it, and to honor the efforts of all who fight it everyday. It’s a night for people who have shared the same experience to comfort and console one another. As a community we celebrate life, friendship, and a chance to work together toward a cancer-free future. The 24-hour event represents that ALL cancer never sleeps and our support is never ending.

SFM’s fundraising season is in full swing. Our goal is to raise another $10K. But we need your help. Here are ways you can participate when check in for your next appointment.

1. For one dollar you can write your name on a star that will be hung in the office.
2. For two dollars you will be entered into a raffle to win a pedal car. Tickets are going fast and the drawing ends Monday, April 23.
3. For five dollars you can create a luminary bag for a person you know who has been touched by cancer.

Thanks for helping us fight for the cure with SFM and the American Cancer Society.

You could win this pedal car if you enter the $2.00 raffle
before 2:00 pm Monday, April 23.