Henry F. Chambers, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (www.nfid.org). Moreover, as for Chambers' article, he contends that "bactericidal activity is not an invariable property of an antibiotic"; that depends on the organism and the conditions under which the organism is growing. In any event, Staphylococcus aureus "is not killed by protein synthesis inhibitors, cholramphinicol and erythromycin," the classic agents known to seek out the ribosome.

What are the ways for diagnosis of MRSA? The Department of Public Health in Massachusetts (www.mass.gov) says the way health officials go about diagnosing MRSA is first taking a culture from the infected person and taking it to a lab. A small biopsy of the actual skin, or of the pus that is draining from the infection - or, better yet, a culture of a skin lesion "is especially useful in recurrent or persistent cases," the article explains. If a patient suspected of having MRSA has pneumonia, a sputum culture is taken, and if a bloodstream infection is apparent, blood cultures are taken using 'aseptic techniques." With a urinary infection, healthcare professionals will take urine cultures - again, using aseptic techniques - and if staph bacteria are isolated, the organism "should be tested to determine which antibiotics are effective for treatment."

What are the ways of treatment and/or prevention? The Massachusetts public health Web site says "many MRSA infections are best treated with good wound and skin care." And it is always important to wash hands after caring for the infected area, "carefully disposing of any bandages, and allowing the body to heal." Treatment is "not generally recommended" the Massachusetts informational site explains, "for...

The five are: "Crowding"; "frequent skin-to-skin Contact"; "Compromised skin (i.e., cuts or abrasions)"; "contaminated items and surfaces"; and "lack of Cleanliness." The places where infections of MRSA are most likely to occur - and hence the washing of hands using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is vital - are dormitories, military barracks, correctional facilities, schools, and daycare centers.
Works Cited

Association of Medical Microbiologists. "The facts about MRSA." Retrieved Dec. 6, 2007, at http://www.amm.co.uk.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Methicilli-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus."

Retrieved Dec. 6, 2007, at http://www.cdc.gov.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "What is CDC doing about MRSA?" Retrieved Dec. 5, 2007 at http://www.cdc.gov.

Chambers, Henry F. "Bactericidal vs. Bacteriostatic Antibiotic Therapy: A Clinical Mini-

Review." National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Retrieved Dec. 5, 2007, at http://www.nfid.org.

Medical Link "MRSA" Retrieved Dec. 6, 2007, at http://www.link.med.ed.ac.uk/ridu/Mrsa.htm.

Science Daily. "Bacteria-Killing vs. Bacteria-Inhibiting Drugs in Treating Infections." Retrieved Dec. 6, 2007, at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/10/041021083250.htm.