Question

All of the following are factors that increase the risk for developing MRSA, EXCEPT:

A) antibiotic therapy.
B) prolonged hospital stays.
C) exposure to an infected patient.
D) close contact with wild birds.

Answer 1

Close contact with wild birds does not increase the risk of developing MRSA. Factors like antibiotic therapy, prolonged hospital stays, and exposure to an infected patient do contribute to the risk.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which factor does not increase the risk for developing MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Among the options, close contact with wild birds does not increase the risk of developing MRSA. The other options listed, such as antibiotic therapy, prolonged hospital stays, and exposure to an infected patient, are genuine risk factors. Indiscriminate or imprudent use of antibiotics can lead to the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA. MRSA infections are concerning because they can transfer genes for methicillin-resistance to other bacteria, and in some cases, MRSA may not be treated with the correct antibiotics swiftly enough to prevent serious illness. This superbug is also known to cause infections in younger populations outside of healthcare facilities.