Abstract
This paper shows the specific aims, background and significance and research design and methods of a stem cell experiment. The project involves Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen that can create infections. The writer provides the hypothesis upon which the research is predicated.

From the Paper
"This project involves Staphylococcus aureus which is a pathogen responsible for a variety of infections. Staphylococcus aureus can create infections that range from mild to severe depending upon the relative expression of two virulence factors-surface proteins and extracellular toxins and enzymes. The surface proteins permit invasion of the bacterium into phagocytes and the colonization of host tissues while the extracellular toxins and enzymes encourage proliferation in a localized area at the site of the infection. An overarching goal behind this project ..."

Tags:stem cells, experiment, pathogen, NIAID, staphylococcus aureus

Abstract
A paper explaining the treatment, prevention and general overview of the disease Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.

Tags:methicillin, resistant, aureus

Abstract
One of the more challenging problems associated with hospital stays is the nosocomial infections which are caused primarily by staphylococcus aureus. The pathogen appears to be developing specific resistances to the pharmacological weapons developed to date, and the disease continues to represent a threat for many elderly people and those who are already weakened by other physical problems. To determine the cause and potential continuing threat represented by this bacterium, this paper provides a review of the epidemiology of staphylococcus aureus to determine the development of the current body of knowledge about the disease. This is followed by a summary of the research and concludes that this threat will continue and the precautions that need to be taken to try to avoid it.

From the Paper
"While the world has never been a sterile place, it would seem that one of the most prevalent and virulent of mankind's microscopic foes has always been Staphylococcus aureus. In fact, staphylococci are ubiquitous, and approximately 30 percent to 50 percent of healthy human beings will be carrying staphylococci at any one time (Eidson, Olson & Sewell, 1997). Staphylococcus aureus is a genus of spherical bacteria of the family Micrococcaceae; the Staphylococcus aureus is universally present in enormous numbers on the mucous membranes and skin of humans and other warm-blooded animals. The umbrella term, "staphylococcus" is popularly used for all the species of the family, and is a reference to the cells' tendency to aggregate in grapelike clusters (Staphylococcus, 2005). Staphylococci are microbiologically characterized as gram-positive (in young cultures), non-spore-forming, nonmotile, facultative anaerobes (e.g., not requiring oxygen); the cells of S. aureus average 1 mm (micrometer; 1 mm = 10-6 meter) in diameter and are usually clustered (Staphylococcus, 2005)."

Tags:MRSA, epidemic, immune, bacteria, strains, organism, staph, penicillin, pathogen, S., epidermis

Abstract
This paper explains that the methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a nosocomial pathogen, is an epidemiological problem, which can have its source in the community and health care settings. The author relates the epidemiology of MRSA in relation to agent, host, environment, web of causation and its natural history. The paper underscores that MRSA infection presents a serious epidemiological problem because not only are new strains appearing but also a number of nosocomial MRSA infections are known to have their source in the community setting, which causes the route of transmission to remain a mystery. The author stresses that improved strategies to control and manage MRSA infection continue to be sought.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Agent
Host
Environment
Web of Causation
Natural History
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Environmental factors play a very significant role in the transmission of MRSA. For example, when health care providers acquire an MRSA infection, family members of these workers and other staff members can then become infected not only from direct contact but also from environmental sites such as chairs, phones, or computer keyboards. Transmission of MRSA is also facilitated when the environment has been contaminated with toxin-producing strains. As a consequence, it is essential that prevention and control measures include cleaning of the hospital environment."

Tags:nosocomial, intensive care unit, hands management elderly

Abstract
This paper begins with a look at what Staphylococcus aureus is as a bacteria and provides a bit of history. The bulk of the paper discusses where the bacteria can be found, what its various strains are and what illnesses are associated with it.

From the Paper
"Staphylococci often appears in clusters but may also appear in pairs or short chains (FDA). The bacteria are gram-positive, nonmotile, non-spore forming, and catalase-positive (Tolan & Baorto). Of the more than thirty species of staphylococci, only the aureus and the epidermidis "are significant in their interactions with humans," (Todar). Todar notes, "nearly all strains of S. aureus produce the enzyme coagulase: nearly all strains of S. epidermidis lack this enzyme." Others can infect humans, but staphylococcus aureus is by far the most common of the genus."

Tags:bacteria, biology, disease

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to develop relevant background information concerning the incidence and causes of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in general and in selected healthcare facilities in particular. According to the paper, MRSA represents a growing threat to public health and the national interests, and it is recommended that the etiology and treatment of MRSA should become the focus of a concerted nation-wide effort to develop improved treatment protocols.

Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Discussion of Findings
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

From the Paper
"By the late 1950s, different strains of S. aureus had acquired resistance to penicillin and to virtually all other available systemic antibiotics, including erythromycin, streptomycin, and the tetracyclines; these strains of S. aureus were all associated with outbreaks of hospital-acquired infections; the introduction of semisynthetic penicillins (e.g., methicillin, which are not inactivated by beta-lactamase), though, and the cephalosporin antibiotics (e.g., cephalothin, cephaloridine, and cefazolin), during the 1960s provided clinicians with some new therapeutic treatments for infections caused by these antibiotic-resistant pathogens (Chikami & Murphy 11). The organism adapted yet again, though, and methicillin-resistant strains of S. aureus (MRSA) were being identified as early as 1961; at that time, the MRSA organisms were associated with infections in Europe, but they have since become widespread around the world. "

Tags:healthcare, practitioners, antibiotic, resistance, bacterium, mutates

Abstract
This study hypothesizes that patients are more likely to become exposed to methicillin resistant staph aureus (MRSA) in the radiology department via multi-use items, such as ultrasound probes using trans-dermal gel. The author reports that twelve bacterial isolates were recovered from ultrasound probes after typical cleaning procedures were used; however, no significant bacterial isolate was found on the endoscopes used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The paper concludes that the risk of MRSA contamination in patients is higher in radiological procedures, which use multiple use probes cleaned only with local measures, rather than endoscopes, which undergo a rigorous timed and chemical disinfection process.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Hypothesis
Literature Review
Methodology
Methods and Procedures
Evaluation
Ethical Considerations
Dissemination
Budget
Human Subjects
Results
Conclusion
Discussion
Importance
Recommendations

From the Paper
"One interesting study reviewed the use of maggots in the treatment of MRSA. While not specifically germane to the subject at hand, it will show what a significant problem this health care issue has become. In this study, it was felt that it was important to discover alternatives to antibiotic resistant wounds in which no other form of treatment appeared to suffice. The goal of the study was to find a way to combat wounds and promote a healing. Ultimately it was felt that maggot therapy has been seen to act on MRSA in wounds and constitutes another area in need of study, with greater emphasis on evidence based practice."

Tags:ultrasound, gel, isolates, disinfection, swabs

Abstract
This paper is about methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, a staph infection resistant to methicillin, but sensitive to other antibiotics. It is becoming increasingly common because of the overuse and indiscriminate use of antibiotics. The infection can be fatal.

From the Paper
"Staphylococcus aureus are bacteria commonly found on the skin inside the nose, in the armpit, groin and genital area. In most cases these bacteria do not cause any problems or cause only minor infections such as pimples and boils. Occasionally they can cause more serious infections. Methicillin resistant S Aureus MRSA are staphbacteria which are resistant to the antibiotic methicillin and related antibiotics. Other antibiotics must be used to treat these infections and the treatment may take longer to be effective and may be..."

Tags:methicillin-resistant, staphylococcus aureus, antibiotics

Abstract
This paper examines the impact of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus on American university campuses. The paper explains that methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) gained public fame as the notorious "flesh eating bacteria." MRSA is serious because, unlike non-resistant forms of Staphylococcus aureus, it does not respond readily to a host of antibiotics commonly used to treat such illnesses. This paper utilizes the results of a survey done on MRSA and university students to develop a plan that can be used by American college campuses to help control the spread of MRSA among the student population. The paper points out that MRSA is typically associated with a hospital setting, but as outbreaks began to occur that were obviously not of a hospital origin, a new classification system was developed. The paper then looks at how this classification system has more to do with disease prevention and community health than clinical treatment of the disease.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Chapter 3: Methodology
Chapter 4: Results
Chapter 5: Discussion and Conclusions
Appended is a survey questionnaire

From the Paper
"MRSA has been the subject of many clinical studies. There is an abundance of information one the various drugs that have been developed to help combat the disease, its history and mutations, and methods of control in various populations. A majority of the literature has focused on MRSA in the healthcare setting. However, there is a growing body of literature that addresses MRSA in settings other than in hospitals. The reason for this growth in interest regarding Community Acquired MRSA is the growing number of outbreaks on college campuses, particularly among sports participants.
Literature focuses on the clinical aspects of control and treatment. However, there is little information on the reason for the growing concern on college campus."

Tags:disease, prevention, community, health, clinical, treatment

Abstract
The paper relates that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a nosocomial pathogen, which is responsible for serious illness, however, Chen and Goldstein (2006) describe MRSA as an epidemiological problem which can have its source in the community just as much as in health care settings. The paper notes that S. aureus bacteraemia is a serious infection which primarily affects elderly hosts and the problems resulting from MRSA for the most part consist of skin and soft tissue infections, but more invasive infections can also occur. This paper discusses the epidemiology of MRSA in relation to agent, host, environment, web of causation, and the natural history of MRSA. The paper posits that MRSA infection presents a serious epidemiological problem because not only are new strains appearing, but a number of nosocomial MRSA infections are known to have their source in the community setting, which causes the route of transmission to remain a mystery.

From the Paper
"Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a nosocomial pathogen, which is responsible for serious illness. However, Chen and Goldstein (2006) describe MRSA as an epidemiological problem which can have its source in the community just as much as in health care settings. S. aureus bacteraemia is a serious infection which primarily affects elderly hosts. The problems resulting from MRSA for the most part consist of skin and soft tissue infections, but more invasive infections can also occur. Improved strategies to control and manage MRSA infection continue..."

Tags:mrsa, epidemiology, issues