California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
Lysostaphin is a natural enzyme that functions as an antibacterial against staphylococcal infections including Staphylococcal aureus and Staphylococcal epidermidis. It is effective against combating these infections because it attacks the bacterial cellular wall of staphylococci, and is capable of destroying the bacterium within minutes. Staphylococcal aureus infections, particularly MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcal aureus), are a continuing concern within healthcare settings. This is because they are responsible for a large portion of infections which arise from implantable devices such as catheters, which act to provide a pathway for MRSA to travel into the body. While anyone may contract a staphylococcal infection, they are of particular concern within certain groups such as those residing in nursing homes. The elderly population is generally at higher risk due to their vulnerable state and weakened immune systems. Contraction of such infections not only lead to skin infections, but when the bacteria enters the bloodstream, it may spread into other organs, infecting them, and may also lead to sepsis, pneumonia, and other severe complications including death.
MRSA bacterial cells are capable of forming a community of bacterial cells, known as biofilms, on medical devices and damaged tissue, thereby surviving and spreading infection. Unfortunately, the biofilms that form on such devices are generally antibiotic resistant, and it becomes increasingly difficult to treat the infection. As a result, the device will either have to be removed or replaced via surgery, and the patient will require an intensive antibiotic treatment plan. However, subjecting the patient to this type of invasive procedure heightens their risk for further complications. Additionally, despite this course of action, infection reoccurrence is still relatively high due to the increasing antibiotic-resistant nature of the bacterium. Therefore, lysostaphin has been studied and considered as an alternative anti-staphylococcal treatment. This is because lysostaphin has been known to effectively destroy staphylococcal bacterial cells, and has been demonstrated to be particularly effective against MRSA.
Scientists have noted that antibiotics cannot be relied upon as a sole solution for combating bacteria such as MRSA, which are considered ‘super bugs,’ since they are increasingly becoming antibiotic resistant. Thus, other methods of treatment are being explored. It is believed that the application of lysostaphin may be a preferred and less invasive method of combating the Staphylococcal aureus bacterium, as it will be able to treat the infection without having to require removal of the contaminated, implanted device via surgery. Additionally, it may also be a preferred treatment method over antibiotics because lysostaphin only requires a low dosage to be effective in destroying the bacteria and has a quick response time. Lysostaphin has been observed to begin having disruptive effects upon the bacterium within 20 minutes, whereas some antibiotics may require about 24 hours.
It is important to keep our eyes open for staphylococci infection symptoms in nursing homes and other health care settings. Additionally, it is imperative that health care providers implement preventative practices such as using gloves and thoroughly washing hands when dealing with patients in order to prevent the spread of infection. At the Yeroushalmi Law, we believe that your loved one deserves to receive the highest quality care, including the implementation of preventative practices to fight against the spread of infection. When you place your loved one in a nursing home, you trust that the nursing home will take responsibility for your loved one’s health and well-being. Should the facility breach its duties to you and your loved one in any way, we insist that they must be held accountable for their actions. This is why our team of experienced litigators is passionate about protecting the rights of victims of nursing home neglect and elder abuse. We are located in both Northern and Southern California and serve cities throughout the state. Contact us today at (888) 606-3453 for a free consultation.
