Superbug is a name given to an infection that proves to be resistant to most common anti-biotics much like MRSA.
Dr. Becky Miller, an infectious disease specialist from Duke University Medical Center, spoke recently here in Atlanta about the emergence of this infection. MRSA has become a familiar term to many as a staph infection that is resistant to regular anti-biotics. But Colstrdim difficle (C-diff) seems to be surpassing MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) cases.
Dr. Miller reports that while MRSA infections are down, C-diff is on the rise. While MRSA is caused by the bacteria entering the blood stream through a wound or even an IV, C-diff is spread through the feces. It is resistant to many household cleaners; and can lurk just about anywhere.
A study shows that while MRSA has been on a somewhat decline, C-diff is on the rise.
C-diff is found in the colon and can cause the serious intestinal illness known as colitis. This is just another superbug that doctors and hospitals are having to deal with.
Deaths from C-diff in the past were somewhat rare; but now a more dangerous strain has come on the scene and as many as 18,000 people a year are dying from it.
Report by Mike Stobbe of AP:
“The new study looked at infection rates from community hospitals in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia in 2008 and 2009. It found the rate of hospital-acquired C-diff infections was 25 percent higher than MRSA infections.
Here are the numbers: The hospitals counted 847 infections of hospital-acquired C-diff, and 680 cases of MRSA.
Dr. L. Clifford McDonald was not part of this study; but is an expert for the CDC here in Atlanta, reports C-diff can vary in different parts of the country and seems to be increasing, though not uniform.”
Source: AP report by Mike Stobbe: http://www.examiner.com/a-2537020~Study__Lesser_known_bug_a_bigger_hospital_threat.html
More on MRSA: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/disease/mrsa.asp General information, how to prevent MRSA, what does it look like, what to do if you have MRSA, etc.?
More about C-diff: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/id_CdiffFAQ_general.html What is it? How do you get it? What are the symptoms? How to prevent it.
Comments
I had C. diff for 8 months, and was very ill. I was not in a hospital. I got it, as many people do, after taking antibiotics. Doctors need to be careful to prescribe antibiotics only if they are definitely needed.
Nancy, Thank you for your comment and your sharing. I am so very sorry that you were ill. I had not heard about people getting it from taking anti-biotics; perhaps that is something people should look into. For some time now it has been advised that anti-biotics only be used for bacterial infections rather than viral which only causes a person's immume system to adjust to where in case of a real bacterial need like C.diff it may not do the job. I pray that you are totally and completely well. Best wishes. God bless you.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!