A woman struggling with recurring infections recently asked me if the livestock farm she lived near could be causing her infections. She lives near a pig farm and suspected that her infections were somehow linked with the farm. As it turns out, a recent study of MRSA positive pig farms highlights the potential dangers of antibiotic resistant bacteria and airborne MRSA from contaminated farms.
Continue reading
Antibiotic Resistance Archives
Chlorhexidine side effects and safety precautions you should know
This is part 2 of a series covering the use of topical chlorhexidine soap for infections and decolonization and will cover side-effects, precautions and issues with growing bacterial resistance.
Continue reading
Chlorhexidine baths for MRSA decolonization – Get the facts
This is the first of a 2 part series on the use of Chlorhexidine as a skin wash and MRSA decolonization protocol.
In the news lately are more scientific studies confirming the level of resistance of MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria against the antiseptic skin cleanser called chlorhexidine gluconate, or CHG. Chlorhexidine gluconate washes are commonly prescribed to help prevent MRSA infections and help in skin decolonization for MRSA. CHG is normally well tolerated, but it does have some important precautions you should know about, including some occasion serious side effects.
Continue reading
Superbugs in a sewer near you?
Water-borne bacteria are picking up the ability to resist antibiotics. Particularly notable are the “Vibrios” type bacteria which as a group, are responsible for seafood poisoning and gastroenteritis or cholera.
The Vibrios group of bacteria are the leading cause of seafood-borne illness and death in the United States and are a public health issue around the world. Most Vibrios bacteria cause gastroenteritis, but they can also infect open wounds and cause blood poisoning. Scientists have found these water-borne bacteria are becoming resistant to many types of antibiotics. Why is that?
Continue reading
You can help keep antibiotics working
If you’ve ever taken antibiotics that don’t work, then you know about antibiotic resistance in a very real and personal way. I still remember the frustration of enduring antibiotic after antibiotic with all their side effects with no benefit at all.
While I love natural remedies, there are times when antibiotics can be the best treatment option for a severe infection. With MRSA on the rise, it’s more important than ever that these powerful drugs do their job when we need them to.
Continue reading
MRSA Rates Dropping in the UK
Encouraging news this month from the English National Health Service (NHS). MRSA infection rates in England were at a 10 year record low in June. What’s more, 25 NHS trusts (service segments) in England have been MRSA-free for the past 12 months.
What is England doing right?
Has Norway discovered the secret to stopping MRSA?
Here’s something to ponder. Norway has one of the lowest MRSA rates out of any country in the world. Japan, the US and some Southern European countries have the highest MRSA infection rates.
So, what is Norway doing right?
Continue reading
Manuka honey inhibits biofilms
Manuka honey and MRSA Staph biofilms
Honey has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for many ailments. Manuka honey is such a great remedy because it’s safe, inexpensive and easy to use. It also has a wide range of different uses with virtually no side effects. And now scientific research is revealing how Manuka honey can help control recurring Staph & MRSA infections related to biofilms.
Continue reading