LE3 .A278 2009

2009

Bell, Colin

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the most frequent cause of nosocomial infections worldwide. The incidence of these infections has been rapidly increasing everywhere, including Nova Scotia, which saw over a 95% increase in infection rates over 8 years. Recently this infamous pathogen has begun to establish itself in our communities, forming a more aggressive and virulent strain of community acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA). These infections posses the ability to cause disease in otherwise healthy people, unlike the nosocomial strain which preys on the sick and immune compromised. The first case of CA-MRSA in Canada was reported in 1981, and since then it has been popping up all over the country. The purpose of this study was to establish the percentage of MRSA infections in Cape Breton (District 8) that were caused by the community strain. Isolates from every documented case of MRSA from January 2007- May 2008 were collected and tested for the Panton Valentin Leukocidin (PVL) using the Polymerase Chain Reaction. PVL has a high correlation to community strains of MRSA. Those isolates that tested PVL positive were then typed to determine which specific strain they belonged to. This information is important for determining epidemiological patterns. The results of these tests determined that 21% of the isolates were CA-MRSA, over twice of the national and provincial average. Attempts were made to unveil the reasons for this elevated proportions, but no clear connections between cases could be established. Future research is important, since CA-MRSA is a major public health issue and understanding its virulence, transmission and resistance patterns will help prevent and treat infections.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:593