Sexually active gay men in San Francisco were 13 times as likely to contract methicillin- resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, than their heterosexual counterparts, said researchers at the University of California at San Francisco.
Magnified image of a cluster of drug-resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteria. To dilute the concentration of bacteria, researchers suggest taking a shower after sexual contact and the use of regular soap.
Researchers have found that the new strain of bacteria called USA300 is growing resistant - or unresponsive - to three or even four classes of widely used antibiotics.
The study - published online in the Annals of Internal Medicine - warned that the new strain which seems to have "spread rapidly" in gay populations in San Francisco and Boston, "has the potential for rapid, nationwide dissemination" among gay men.
The bacteria, which typically produces boils that can grow to the size of tennis balls, can lead to sepsis (blood poisoning) or a deadly flesh eating form of pneumonia that devours the lungs in severe cases.
Researchers estimate that about 30 percent of all people carry ordinary staph chronically and most of those who do carry it in their noses or may manifests as an abscess or cellulitis in the buttocks, genitals and anal area.
Staph infections often look like raised red dots on the skin. Left untreated, the areas can swell and fill with pus.
"Once this reaches the general population, it will be truly unstoppable," said Binh Diep, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco who led the study. "That's why we're trying to spread the message of prevention."
And prevention could just be as simple as soap and water.
"Taking a shower after sexual contact may minimise contamination," says Dr Chip Chambers, co-author of the study and director of infectious diseases at San Francisco General.
"Ordinary soap will do. It dilutes the concentration of bacteria. You don't need antibacterial soap."
Previously, MRSA infections have been documented in sports teams, prison populations, gym-goers and the community at large.
In December last year, a infectious disease expert in Hong Kong warned that visiting massage parlours or having facials may increase one's chances of contracting MRSA.
Even though the Department of Health conceded that there was insufficient scientific evidence to show a link between infections and massage parlours, the warning came after a finding that 10 percent of patients infected with MRSA in 2007 had visited massage parlours within 12 months of the onset of symptoms.
According to the health department, the number of reported community- associated cases jumped from 32 in 2006 to 175 in 2007, with two deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that in 2005 some 94,000 people in the US became infected with MRSA, of which some 19,000 succumbed to it.
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As PLUs, we must be alert:
1) Abstinence (celibacy), if not,
2) Same gendered monogamous marriage, if not,
3) Bathe with soap -> condom (sex) -> bathe with soap
It is bacteria, not virus, and could be easily prevented using soap.
Why does the article says MSMs are easily infected with this bacteria than heterosexuals? Using words like that will make people think in terms of sexual orientation than prosmicuity. Too dangerous.
Left-wingers, pray hard.
The gay people whom I know are into anal, oral, and even vanilla sex are all cautious individuals; condom users, mouth wash advocates, and after-sex bathers.
And these new STD's are really pigeonholing gay people as promiscous and uncaring of their own health. Reality check. NOT ALL of us are LIKE that.
Thanks, Tige
Wash your hands like your momma taught you to!
Also, I wanted to stress that the authors of this paper whom I know very well are top-rate scientists and clearly have the best intentions. By recognizing the problem, we can work on it.
We are all trying to avoid that the results are used in a wrong, political way.
Michael
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH
Anyway, I don't think (IMHO) the article is a 'segmentation' of gay people = spreaders of MRSA. I mean, it's published on fridae to inform the gay community of its existance & potential dangers, since the studies shown it could potentially spread among us. All the more reasons to have safe sex & practice good hygiene!
:D :D I never realize it until you mention it. Yes..one of my favorites..bittergourd with fish or pork meat in the middle...and i like fried pork meat 'yong' bittergourd..looking forward to taste it this Spring as I may pass by that miserable island..
In addition the great unwashed masses of street people of san fran...I waked aloing Market (from Castro to third) and was constantly accosted by dirty smelly street crackheads asking for a dollar.
Finally there are the medical staff who arrive at gyms after work in their hospital garbs....bringing their microbial pets with them. and gym locker rooms are a great breeding ground
This other piece of MRSA-related news didn't get enough airtime... apparently playing college football might also increase one's risk, not only due to locker room hygiene but also on the field.
I wonder will these "concerned women" will demand that their sons stop playing football then...
Staph Outbreak That Hit NFL Team Linked to Poor Hygiene On and Off the Field
http://men.webmd.com/news/20050202/pro-football-players-pass-staph-infections
Mounting a Defense Against Staph Infection
After observing the team in action, researchers pointed out gaping holes in the team's defensive lines against infectious diseases that left them vulnerable to penetration by bacteria like staph.
For example:
* Turf burns were reported frequently among players during games and practices (about two to three turf burns per week).
* Trainers who provided wound care did not have regular access to hand-washing facilities or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
* Towels were frequently shared on the field during practice and games with as many as three players per towel.
* Rams players often did not shower before using communal whirlpools.
* Weights and other training equipment were not routinely cleaned at the training facility.
I guess those who frequent gyms should beware too.
Isn't AIDS that epidemic? How come all the gays are still living well?
Just read basic Chinese medicine books would understand that such western approach towards VIRUS is childish!
Lets say 100 cases reported, and 25 are gays, it doesnt mean that look here, more of you are infected as compared to my kind ( gay that is ).
Gays just account for a very minute portion of the population and figures like that means we gays really have a huge huge problem and we should be very concerned.
Please, stop the stupid defensive approach and look at ourselves. It is this brainless approach that make us the targets for descriminations.
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