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MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and the word resistant is what is creating the headlines. It has been a severe problem in Europe, particularly in the UK. Its appearance in schools in the USA is a reminder to assess key transmission intersections and install an integrated hand hygiene system.
Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a common type of bacteria that lives harmlessly in the nose or on the skin of around 25-30% of people. Most people do not even realize they are carrying the bacterium. They sometimes experience minor problems such as skin infections or boils. Over the years a strain has developed which is resistant to penicillin and now methicillin, a semi-synthetic penicillin-related antibiotic.
Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CDC-10046-MRSA.jpg
