Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA, refers to a strain of staph bacteria that is resistant to methicillin. Initially, MRSA was predominantly found among patients in hospitals and healthcare facilities, particularly affecting the elderly, critically ill individuals, and those with open wounds, intravenous lines, or urinary catheters. Over time, MRSA has also emerged in the general community, where it often leads to skin infections like boils, although it can also result in more serious illnesses. Transmission primarily occurs through direct physical contact with individuals who have active MRSA skin infections, as it is not airborne. Similar to S. aureus, MRSA can exist on the skin or in the nasal passages without causing any symptoms, a state referred to as colonization. MRSA infections are generally mild skin conditions that can be effectively managed with appropriate skin care and antibiotics. Nonetheless, treatment can be challenging, and the infection can escalate to life-threatening conditions affecting the blood or bones due to the limited number of effective antibiotics available.
