‘Strain of Superbug May Be New HIV’ screamed one headline. The findings of a new study into MRSA (commonly known as golden staph) amongst HIV positive gay men has led to a series of hysterical and inaccurate media reports across the globe. Many have grossly overstated the risk of transmission, the seriousness of the infection and the closeness of the link between MRSA and the gay community.
MRSA stands for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus – a type of bacteria resistant to most (but not all) commonly used antibiotics. Many humans have MRSA living on their skin with no noticeable effect (carriers); however, if it gets inside the body it can cause infections such as skin boils or pneumonia. In rare cases it has been fatal – usually when a person who contracts MRSA is already ill. MRSA is passed on through direct skin contact, or indirect contact, such as from using contaminated towels or other items. Simple, thorough washing with soap and water after contact is usually enough to kill the bacteria. Most transmission of MRSA occurs in hospital settings, and state Health Department figures show that this occurs at a rate of approximately 1/100 000 people in WA. Authorities seek to control its transmission by isolating infected patients from other patients and applying strict cleanliness and hygiene measures.
The study which sparked off the headlines found that a particular strain of MRSA, not associated with hospital transmission, was more prevalent amongst HIV positive gay men. The study’s key findings were that being HIV positive and engaging in male-male sex were statistically significant risk factors for having MSRA. Notably however, the study was unable to identify the exact behaviours that may have been leading to the higher rate of infection, and concluded that the link required further study.
It must be remembered that the study’s findings are not new, with previous research as early as 2005 showing that MRSA was being observed at greater frequency amongst HIV positive patients and was associated with high risk sexual and drug taking behaviours. Other factors should also be considered, such as the fact that HIV positive people are likely to be more susceptible due to their higher use of antibiotics and compromised immune systems. Finally, the study needs to be understood in context – that is that there are several ‘groups’ of people in whom rates of transmission are significantly higher – hospital patients, the military, and athletes, in particular.
Consequently, whilst this latest study has some interesting implications for sexual health and wellness messages for the HIV positive and men-who-have-sex-with-men populations, it is not, as some media have reported, indicative of a new gay-related epidemic.
