University of Edinburgh researchers suggest hospitals in large cities act as breeding grounds for the superbug MRSA prior to it spreading to smaller hospitals.
The study involved looking at the genetic make-up of more than 80 variants of a major clone of MRSA found in hospitals. Scientists were able to determine the entire genetic code of MRSA bacteria taken from infected patients. They then identified mutations in the bug which led to their emergence of new MRSA variants and traced their spread around the country.
They found that variants of MRSA circulating in regional hospitals most likely originated in large city hospitals. High levels of patient traffic in large hospitals could be contributing to transmission between patients, who may then be transferred or treated in regional hospitals. The researchers concluded referral patterns could be affecting MRSA transmission around a community.
The study involved looking at the genetic make-up of more than 80 variants of a major clone of MRSA found in hospitals. Scientists were able to determine the entire genetic code of MRSA bacteria taken from infected patients. They then identified mutations in the bug which led to their emergence of new MRSA variants and traced their spread around the country.
They found that variants of MRSA circulating in regional hospitals most likely originated in large city hospitals. High levels of patient traffic in large hospitals could be contributing to transmission between patients, who may then be transferred or treated in regional hospitals. The researchers concluded referral patterns could be affecting MRSA transmission around a community.
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