Detecting MRSA Outbreaks

Healthcare providers are aware of the increase in the number of methcillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus (MRSA) cases in clinical settings. "The rising global incidence of MRSA outbreaks in hospitals is a major concern because of the high mortality rate and the stringent hygiene requirements needed for patients who become infected." But, now there is a fast and efficient method of typing a single locus- the S aureas protein gene with a software program. Medical informatics and laboratory techniques are helping healthcare providers with the detection of MRSA clusters before a large outbreak occurs.