Water is the major constituent of the human body and is maintained by a delicate balance knows as the fluid-electrolyte balance, or commonly as the water-salt balance. Simply this system is maintained by thirst and the intake of water through food and drink or lost through the urine, water vapor  from breathing, through the skin as perspiration, as well as in the gut when stool is passed. However in certain medical conditions, under the effect of hormones or due to the action of drugs, this balance can be upset leading to water and salt retention or loss from the body.

continue reading What Causes Water & Salt Retention & Loss?

Vancomycin Sensitive S. aureus, VISA and VRSA

Most Staphylococcus aureus strains are sensitive to antibiotic vancomycin. The concentration of vancomycin required to inhibit these strains (minimal inhibitory concentration - MIC) is 0.5-2 micrograms/mL. S. aureus strains for which vancomycin MICs are 4-8 micrograms/mL are classified as Vancomycin Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus - VISA, and strains for which vancomycin MICs is equal or exceeds 16 micrograms/mL are classified as Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus – VRSA (1).

continue reading Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ~ VRSA (and VISA)