What is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that is commonly found on the skin and normally does not cause clinical illness. S. aureus infections can occur, however, and in some cases the bacteria can be resistant to the antibiotic, methicillin. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacteria that is often resistant to many antibiotics including methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. MRSA infections can be community-acquired, but more serious infections are usually healthcare-acquired. MRSA can cause a variety of infections including sepsis, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. MRSA can also be found on the skin without causing an infection, this is known as colonization.
Source: CDC
