MRSA bacterial strain mutates quickly as it spreads

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/55505/title/The_MRSA_Bacterial_strain_Mutates_quickly_as_it_spreads

MRSA bacteria

• Scientists used a new technology to decode the antibiotic-resistant strain of staph bacteria's genome and follow its movements
• The methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA changes its genetic makeup faster than previously thought by altering at least one letter in its genetic handbook about every six weeks
• More of those mutations fall in genes involved in antibiotic resistance than would be expected if the changes had occurred randomly, illustrating that there is an immense selective pressure from antibiotic use worldwide
• All the isolates are variations of a MRSA strain known as a sequence type 239, or ST239. Most of the samples look genetically identical when analyzed using other DNA fingerprinting techniques

Reflection:

I chose this story because I thought it was interesting to read about and learn about mutated bacteria spreading around in Europe. I didn't know anything about bacteria or viruses at all before and I learned a little bit by reading this article. I think anyone that is interested in science and biology should read it. I'm not very interested in science, but I found it very informational.

"MRSA Bacterial Strain Mutates Quickly As It Spreads." Science News. 13 Feb. 2010. Web. 17 May 2010. http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/55505/title/The_MRSA_Bacterial_strain_Mutates_quickly .