Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to multiple antibiotics, including methicillin. In community settings, MRSA often results in skin infections but could potentially cause pneumonia and other infections. If left untreated, sepsis could occur. For healthcare settings, such as hospitals or nursing homes, MRSA can become more severe and cause issues such as:

  • Bloodstream infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Surgical site infections
  • Sepsis
  • Death

In both community and healthcare settings, MRSA can be spread by coming into direct contact with infected individuals or objects that carry the bacteria. Spread is more common in healthcare settings due to prolonged medical visits, antibiotic exposure, and shared common objects, etc.