Multiple Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Is a Bacterium That Has

question 32

Essay

Multiple drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that has developed resistance to a wide range of antibiotics. Its resistance to penicillin, methicillin, and oxacillin is a result of the serial use of these antibiotics, which created a selective environment that favored resistance to the drug being used at the time. This resistance provides the bacteria with the ability to thrive in an environment with standard antibiotics, thereby making it a dangerous human health hazard. Why might one expect MRSA to retain penicillin resistance even if this antibiotic is rarely used?

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Definitions:

Sperm

The male reproductive cell, or gamete, in sexually reproducing organisms, designed to fertilize the female ovum.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Variations in the number or structure of chromosomes, often leading to genetic disorders or variations.

Miscarriage

The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the fetus is able to survive outside the womb, typically before the 20th week of pregnancy.

Human Genetics

The science of inherited variation in humans.