Health Highlights: Oct. 13, 2015

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Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Gene-Modified Pigs Could Supply Organs for People

It may be possible to genetically modify pig organs to make them suitable for use in people, according to researchers.

They altered the DNA of pig cells to make them a better match for humans, which would reduce the risk of rejection and infection by viruses contained in pig DNA, BBC News reported.

The early-stage research appears in the journal Science.

It would be years before it may be possible to use genetically modified pigs to grow organs for people. But if this line of research is successful, it could help reduce the shortage of human donor organs, BBC New reported.

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Pro Football Player Being Treated for ‘Super-Bug’ Infection

Daniel Fells, a tight end for the New York Giants football team, is fighting off a serious infection that could cost him his foot, the National Football League reported Sunday.

The 32-year-old athlete is battling an illness caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA — a so-called “super-bug” — causes infections that are resistant to many antibiotics, making it very difficult to treat.

Fells was admitted to the hospital with 104 degree fever, and has been in the hospital for a week. He has already had five surgeries as part of his treatment, the NFL said. As of Sunday, doctors were working to save his foot, according to published reports.

The infection seemed to develop after Fells received a cortisone shot to treat a toe and ankle injury, the NFL said. The Giants have been working with infectious-disease specialists, and have had their locker room, training rooms and meeting rooms sanitized, the NFL said.

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