Question-What is ‘Staphylococcus epidermidis’?
(a)Bacteria
(b)Virus
(c)Fungus
(d)Parasites
Answer-(a)
Related facts-
- Australian scientists said that Staphylococcus epidermidis is a superbug resistant to all known antibiotics that can cause “severe” infections or even death and it is spreading undetected through hospital wards across the world.
About staphylococcus epidermidis–
- It is a Gram- positive bacterium and belonging to the genus staphylococcus.
- It is found naturally on human skin and infects the people who have had prosthetic materials implanted.
- It is related to deadly MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) superbug.
About superbugs–
- It is a strain of bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotic drugs.
- These strains can make a small change in DNA which is responsible for resistance to antibiotics.
- If a bacterium carries several resistance genes (through mutation and trading genetic material), it is called superbug or multi drug resistant.
Recent developments in stopping antibiotic resistant–
- According to recent studies, experts said that nanotechnology will be helpful in checking antibiotic –resistance bacteria.
- Scientists have developed light-activated nano-particles — each roughly 20,000 times smaller than the thickness of a single human hair and have shown in lab tests that these “quantum dots” are more than 90% effective in cleaning antibiotic-resistant germs like Salmonella and E.coli.
References-
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/drug-resistant-superbug-spreading-in-hospitals-study/article24857593.ece
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staphylococcus_epidermidis
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171004142650.htm