Webnews: McCluster doesn’t have MRSA, but won’t make trip to Oakl

[Coach]

By Mike Florio
The bad news for Chiefs receiver Dexter McCluster is that he has been downgraded to out for Sunday at Oakland.* The good news is that he has been upgraded to not having MRSA. According to the team, the Chiefs have determined that the infected cut in McCluster’s ankle does not include MRSA bacteria.* He nevertheless… Read more…

[ctchiefsfan]

OK.....stupid question....what is MSRA?

[Chiefster]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methici...ococcus_aureus

Google is your friend.

[jap1]

OK.....stupid question....what is MSRA?

Basically a bacterial infection that has developed resistance to most antibiotics (resistance meaning the antibiotics don't work), and as such is very difficult to treat. Really bad cases lead to "flesh eating" bacteria that are really only treatable by cutting out the infected parts of the body (and a significant amount of the surrounding, not infected tissue).

Resistance occurs naturally in some bacteria, but is accelerated when bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, but not a strong enough or long enough dose to completely kill them. This is why you finish ALL your antibiotics when your doc gives you some, and why you NEVER take someone else's antibiotics or some old ones. Even when you are feeling better 2 days into a 7 day course of antibiotics, there is still bacteria in your system, and it is the most dangerous kind since the weak bacteria have already been killed off, and the remaining bacteria is already tougher because it has survived a few days of antibiotics. By only taking a couple days of antibiotics instead of the full course, you have essentially made the bacteria in your system that much stronger by killing off the weaker competition.

Sorry for the PSA, but I thought it was a good opportunity to spread some important knowledge.

[kcvet]

if he dosen't have it then why can't he play?? its just a scratch

[ctchiefsfan]

Thank you both! Dumb of me not to think of google! I use it all the time. Just didn't occur to me here. And thanks jap1 for "Dummies Guide to MSRA" and the explanation of why one should always take ALL the anti-biotics prescribed. Thanks for the help guys!

[ctchiefsfan]

if he dosen't have it then why can't he play?? its just a scratch

I suspect because the playoffs are coming and rest is one of the best things for any kind of viral infection. The cut is infected, just not with MSRA. I figure Reid is not going to push for any quick injury comebacks until the playoffs start. Personally, I say soak it in Bourbon 6 times a day for a week and he'll be fine. :)

[jap1]

if he dosen't have it then why can't he play?? its just a scratch

From reading the article, it sounds like the cut turned into an abscess (pocket of fluid that had to be cut open and drained). Depending on where the wound is, it could be very painful swollen and difficult to move at the ankle (for instance if the cut is right where the top of his cleats are or where he laces his shoes).

Add the fact that it's just going to get dirtier by playing, and thus taking longer to heal, and I can see why they want him to stay in KC to get better for next week/playoffs.

[brdempsey69]

BAH!! All he should have to do is soak it in Epsom salts for a few hours and he should be good to go.

[Chiefster]

Thank you both! Dumb of me not to think of google! I use it all the time. Just didn't occur to me here. And thanks jap1 for "Dummies Guide to MSRA" and the explanation of why one should always take ALL the anti-biotics prescribed. Thanks for the help guys!

No problem bud.