Final answer:
MRSA is a resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus causing infections that are difficult to treat due to its resistance to many antibiotics. HA-MRSA affects older populations in healthcare settings, while CA-MRSA affects younger demographics in the community. Preventative measures in both areas are crucial for controlling its spread.
Step-by-step explanation:
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA, is a strain of the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium that is resistant to a variety of commonly used antibiotics, such as methicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin, and oxacillin. This makes MRSA a significant concern in both healthcare settings, known as hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA), and in community-based populations, referred to as community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA). Studies have reported that while the average age of individuals suffering from MRSA in healthcare facilities is 68, the average age for those with CA-MRSA is significantly younger, around 23 years.
MRSA can cause a range of infections, from skin and wound infections to more serious conditions such as pneumonia and septicemia. The risk of infection is higher in dense populations such as those found in military barracks or prisons, and MRSA can be particularly challenging to treat due to its resistance to many antibiotics.
Approximately one-third of the population carries Staphylococcus aureus as a part of their normal nasal microbiota without causing illness, but about 6% of these strains are methicillin-resistant. Mrs. Sanderson's case of a severe MRSA infection highlights the importance of addressing antibiotic resistance and taking proper measures in both hospital and community settings to prevent the spread of this dangerous bacterium.