'Miracle cure' for MRSA and CA-MRSA identified by NHS 10 months ago yet still unavailable as deaths double.

The number of outbreaks of the deadly 'Super Bug' has not only doubled (up from 487 cases in 1999 to 955 in 2003) but, as revealed last week, the places it can be contracted are widening; new figures claim 100 people have become infected with Community Acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) without visiting hospital.  Gyms, veterinary surgeries and nursing and care homes are among places where we are at risk. While some may attribute this to better reporting, it cannot be denied that even one death is too many when there is a treatment available.

This treatment is Hy-Shield, a lotion containing natural hand-conditioning ingredients such as aloe vera and jojoba oil combined with a powerful anti- bacterial agent and a water-repellent silicon, which acts like an invisible glove.  There are two available strengths, one suitable for use by people with dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis (marketed as Hy- Shield SkinSure Daily or Hy-Shield SkinSure Plus) and a version suitable for health care workers that can help combat MRSA (Pro-Shield Ultra).

Hygieia Pharmaceuticals Ltd bought the formula from Brian Bennett, an ex-trucker from the Midlands with no medical or scientific qualifications, after he spent years in his garage developing a remedy for his long-suffering wife who could find nothing on the market to help her severe dermatitis.  The lotion was so effective that the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham conducted intensive clinical trials with 102 members of staff.  Scientists discovered there was a very significant reduction in bacteria after the barrier cream was applied - a result that was sustained three hours later even after hand washing.

Dr Tony Worthington, a clinical research scientist who carried out the study at Queen Elizabeth hospital with Tarja Karpanen, an ITU nurse, said; 'we know from our laboratory work that Pro-Shield Ultra is very active against MRSA and that it is effective within minutes'.

The lotion could be used widely now in the clinical environment but, instead, it has been left to word of mouth and the initiative of patients or sufferers to contact the founder, Brian Bennett, many sending him letters of congratulations and thanks when they have found themselves cured often when the medical profession seemed at a loss to help.

Bennett receives innumerable letters and phone calls every month.  He made several television appearances in May 2004 and was the subject of numerous broadcast and print news items, receiving nationwide coverage.  However, still the NHS cannot implement its use until Hygieia Pharmaceuticals Ltd finds a way
to cut through the red tape and bureaucracy.  In the meantime, given that the NHS is under pressure, there are ways of protecting ourselves, whether as an in- patient, a hospital visitor or health club member. Pro-Shield Ultra is available from www.hygieia.uk.com or by calling 01237 473 128.


Note to editor:

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that lives in the nose or throat and
sometimes in the armpit or groin carried by around 30% of the population.  In
most cases, it causes no harm but it thrives in moist conditions such as areas
of broken skin (wounds, leg ulcers, burns etc) and in such conditions it can
cause active infection.  MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a
strain of the same bacteria that has developed resistance to the antibiotic
methicillin.

Hygieia Ltd's products are:

Pro-Shield Ultra: Lotion to protect against the spread of infection when
handling and caring for patients at home or in hospital.

Hy-Shield SkinSure Daily: Gentle, deep moisturising antibacterial lotion that
has been formulated for use as part of daily skin maintenance programme. Ideal
for all members of the family.

Hy-Shield SkinSure Plus: Long-lasting barrier cream which prevents the spread of
bacteria. Suitable for use by people with dry skin conditions such as eczema,
dermatitis and psoriasis.

Asda will be the first retailer to stock Plus from 23rd April 2005 .  Ultra is currently only available from the manufacturers.

Please contact Hygieia on 01237 473 128 or visit http://www.hygieia.uk.com for further information, or for results
from Queen Elizabeth hospital's clinical trials.

(11/3/05)