NYU Langone Medical Center researchers discovered why a specific strain of MRSA becomes more fatal than other variations. The findings may uncover ways to develop a vaccine against MRSA, according to Laboratory Equipment.
Here are five findings:
1. The findings revealed the presence or absence of dueling toxins explains the different between HA-MRSA and its less virulent cousin, CA-MRSA.
2. A key toxin, LUK-PC, counteracts the affects of a more deadly toxin, LUK-ED, which is secreted by both forms of MRSA.
3. The competing relationship between the two bacterial toxin accounts for why MRSA is more widespread and less fatal than hospital-acquired MRSA.
4. Researchers can now take a broader view of the pathogen, which will help them target more than one toxin to develop an effective vaccine.
5. The next step entails analyzing the biological mechanisms by which LUK-PV and LUK-ED target, attach and destroy white and red blood cell, thus making the host more susceptible to infection.
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