What is it?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by the bacteria staph aureus that has become resistant to the methicillin family of antibiotics. Normally, Staph bacteria are found on the skin or inside the nose. Some of these infections are acquired in hospitals, while some exist also in the community. Skin infections are common in the community, usually starting with a painful red bump that gets swollen and may turn into abscesses. Risk factors for getting MRSA are being hospitalized, having invasive medical devices, residing in a long-term care facility, participating in contact sports, living in crowded or unsanitary conditions, men having sex with men, HIV infection and using illicit injected drugs.