DR. Gott: Superbugs threaten hospitals

DEAR DR. GOTT: While watching television, I saw an article on a new form of bug that has invaded our country. Can you elaborate on what they refer to as CRKP?

DEAR READER: Actually, it's not so new. The CDC began tracking CRKP in 2009. CRKP stands for Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. It is a gram-negative bacteria known to cause infection in the bloodstream, at surgical or wound sites and in cases of pneumonia and meningitis in healthcare settings, specifically nursing homes and long-term-care hospitals.

This bacterial infection is emerging as a major challenge for control because it is resistant to almost all available antimicrobial agents. Infections have been linked with high rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly in people with central venous catheters or on ventilators. The bacteria live harmlessly in human intestines. "Superbugs" only occur when bacteria mutate to the point where antibiotics that were once effective are no longer working.

According to ABC News, the CDC has indicated that the bacteria are more difficult to treat than MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and that healthy people are not in danger of the bacteria but the aged, frail and otherwise ill patient is.

The bacteria have been reported in 35 states at the time of this writing, but I am sure that number will rise before things are brought under control. It appears the hardest-hit area is Los Angeles County, Calif., with more than 350 reported cases. The situation is further complicated because many patients have numerous other health issues to deal with. Columbia University Medical Center reported that of the 42 percent of those patients in New York who were infected, half had organ transplants.

The bacteria are most easily spread by hand-to-hand contact, such as from shaking hands with a physician or other healthcare professional. Oddly enough, there isn't much of a threat from using a telephone, touching a doorknob or bed linens, or from a doctor or nurse touching and reviewing a chart. Person-to-person contact is the primary culprit. All infected patients should be treated with caution, and strict guidelines must be adhered to. At this stage, intervention for rapid control of recognition is vital.

DEAR DR. GOTT: We've just returned from a visit with our son, who is currently living in China. He is experiencing extreme numbness in the tip of the long middle finger of his right hand. This happened once before and lasted a few days. This time, however, it has lasted close to a month.

He won't be returning home to the states until late summer, and I'm concerned about waiting so long before seeking help. Would acupuncture possibly be helpful? Any suggestions as to the cause of possible treatment would be greatly appreciated.

DEAR READER: There are a number of possibilities, including a thiamine or vitamin B12 deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, nerve impingement and damage, cervical herniation of C 6-7, carpal-tunnel syndrome, kidney failure or the result of chronic alcoholism. These seem rather unlikely, so my best guess is that the problem is coming directly from his hand.

Something is going on with your son that either he has ignored or has chosen not to address. The issue here is that he needs to have testing done to zero in on the exact cause of the numbness. He can likely wait until he returns home; however, I am sure that he can see a qualified physician before he gets here. If he cannot find relief through his doctor, he can ask for a referral for a second opinion, perhaps from a hand specialist.

Trigger-point therapy has proven successful for numerous conditions. Because acupuncture has many similarities, he certainly might find relief going that route. It's worth a try.

• Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and author. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com.