New MRSA strain found on Isle of Man

LONDON - A new strain of the superbug Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that predominately affects young, fit and healthy people has been detected on the Isle of Man.

The island’s Department of Health confirmed a small number of cases of a bacterium called MRSA USA 300.

The department added it was mainly transmitted at sports centres, gyms, swimming pools and spas, was resistant to many antibiotics and could cause serious infection.

“Bacteria are particularly good at adapting to their environment and through mutations in their DNA, which they are able to share with other bacteria, they can become resistant to antibiotics that are being utilised in healthcare environments,” the Telegraph quoted Katie Laird of the Leicester’s De Montfort University, as saying.

“The new antibiotic resistant strain of MRSA USA 300 that has been isolated in the Isle of Man is unusual in that it affects the young, fit and healthy and is associated with sporting facilities rather than the hospital environment,” said Laird. (ANI)