MRSA Threat Larger Than Previously Thought

November 24, 2009 6:33 a.m. EST

Washington, DC (AHN) - The rate of an infection-causing bacteria that is resistant to most antibiotics, is on the rise and is a more serious health threat than previously thought, according to a new study.

Researchers, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, said in a statement that from 1999 to 2006, the rate of community-associated strains of MRSA - or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus -- jumped from 3.6 percent to 28.2 percent.

The researchers said MRSA is easily picked up in fitness centers, schools and other public places. They said the threat is increasing at hospitals because doctors and patients often move back and forth between in-patient and out-patient facilities.

The researchers analyzed data from more than 300 microbiology labs across the United States to reach their conclusion.

The study will be published in the December issue of the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.