Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a skin bacteria that is resistant to commonly-prescribed antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and cephalosporins. Most MRSA infections occur in people who have been in hospitals or other healthcare settings, such as nursing homes and dialysis centers. These infections may occur after surgery or having a medical device inserted. Another type of MRSA is spread through contact with an infected wound or by sharing personal items, such as towels or razors that have touched infected skin. The most common types of infections caused by MRSA are skin infections such as abscesses, or boils that appear red, swollen and painful. They usually occur in areas of broken skin, such as cuts or scrapes.