Memo

To: Dr. Dale Sullivan

From: Felicia Marie Lamb

Date: 11/15/10

Re: Progress Report on MRSA Resistance Study

Introduction

The purpose of my project if to compile data into an article review of relevant literature on the transmission of MRSA from one species to another, more specifically from other mammals (ie. pigs, cows) to humans. The expansion of the knowledge base of the general public is one of the main goals of my project as MRSA has become a growing concern in U.S. hospitals today, and there has been speculation of it becoming a worldwide epidemic. Hence, the need for expanding "our" knowledge on its development of resistances and transmission.

Work Completed

To date the project investigating cases of MRSA transfer from non-human populations to human populations is continuing at a rate that is admittedly less than expected. To date there have been numerous searches for scientific literature relating to specific cases where there has been a documented and empirically proven transfer of MRSA from non-human populations to the human population, however, these cases are not numerous and have been localized in agricultural settings. An annotated bibliography was submitted on Oct. 29th with preliminary resources, since, the resources have been modified to a narrower scope for the final paper

Work Scheduled

Assistance from professionals in the areas of medical research has been invoked at the NDSU library with positive results. Further research is being taken to increase the volume of supportive literature for the project as well as discovery of new studies that will be relevant to the study. At this time sorting through acquired research literature is being conducted. Expected target for the sorting and incorporation of pertinent studies into a comprehensive document is being done with an expected completion date of November 22, 2010. Once a set group of articles that will most aptly describe the problem and tentative solution to MRSA disease in human populations is determined; a thorough summary of the discovery will be documented in the report. The most cumbersome task at this point will be to determine which research documents are able to describe the problem, pose possible solutions, and lead to further research involved with MRSA.

Conclusion

Barring all possibility of further delay, the expected completion date of this project is still on schedule for December 3, 2010. In order to meet this deadline, appointments will be made with the NDSU writing center to account for APA correctness, and basic document integrity. Rest assured Dr. Sullivan, this most interesting paper on MRSA in non-human and human populations will arrive at your desk as scheduled.

Sincerely yours,

Felicia Lamb