MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Definition

MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that has become resistant to methicillin and other commonly used antibiotics. It can cause difficult-to-treat infections and is often found in healthcare settings but can also be acquired outside hospitals.

Related terms

Healthcare-associated infection (HAI): Infections acquired during medical care, including those caused by MRSA.

Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA): MRSA infections acquired outside healthcare settings, such as schools or gyms.

Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA): A strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is susceptible to methicillin and other antibiotics.