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Program committee chair Marika Zalisz- czuk noted that the commemoration was “truly ecumenical. . . a very uplifting and emotional event that brought the community together.” The event, she added, was made possible by the cooperative endeavors of numerous dedicated individuals. Among them were those who participated behind the scenes, such as Michael Jula, who created the altar design; and Dr. Roxanna Korchynsky, who created the program booklet. M RSA A 21st Century Epidemic by Ihor Magun, M.D., F.A.C.P. Recent headlines have been full of stories describing outbreaks of infections that are resistant to antibiotics. These infections involve a bacteria labeled as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known as MRSA. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria normally live on the skin surface and in the nose. These bacteria rarely pose any danger to our health, but a disruption or dysfunction of host defense barriers, allows this organism to spread invasively. The nature of this invasive spreading may be a primary pathologic process (a direct invasion of the skin) or a secondary process that complicates preexisting lesions. For many decades, such infections, com monly referred to in medicine as staph infections, were easily treated and controlled with one of the penicillin-like antibiotics, such as methicillin. To day, however, the rise of bacteria that are resistant to methicillin and most antibiotics, poses a signi ficant threat. Because MRSA bacteria are no longer killed by current antibiotics, they can literally eat the skin, invade the bloodstream, and attack vital organs. Unchecked, MRSA leads to death. Most early MRSA infections were confined to hospitalized patients who had been through many invasive procedures. More recently, however, healthy young individuals without any hospital exposure have developed this dreaded infection. This includes, in particular, adolescents with weak ened immune systems or members of a sports team where participants are in close contact with each other. MRSA can be spread from one person to another by contact with a wound or equipment/ towel contaminated with the infection. MRSA is not an air-borne infection except in cases where some one has MRSA pneumonia and is actively coughing. Symptoms depend on the location of the infection. Most infections are skin-centered and are manifested as an abscess, a boil, or cellulitis. The infection may also be nasal, respiratory, or in the urinary tract. Diagnosis requires a laboratory evaluation. A sample is taken from the presumed infected site and subsequently cultured. It takes several days to obtain results. Treatment depends on the severity of the infection, the location of infection, and the extent of the infection. Some individuals require hospitalization and are placed in isolation. Intrave nous antibiotics are used along with possible drain age or local wound care. The choice of antibiotics may be limited because of bacterial resistance; in some cases, no antibiotic choices exist, and such cases are generally fatal. Because this is a new epidemic, we do not yet know everything about its nor everything we need to know about fighting it. But simple pre cautions that are easy to follow and are a first line of defense against infection can and should be taken. Hand washing is paramount. Using disinfec tants on possibly contaminated surfaces is also helpful. Commercial products found in drug stores and supermarkets are perfectly adequate and re commended for this purpose. Keep all open wounds or cuts covered to prevent infections and never share towels or razors. Do not use antibiotics indiscriminately. Remember that viral infections do not require or respond to antibiotics and avoid “left over" antibiotic medications for viral diseases. Above all, never use medications prescribed for someone else.
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