What are Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are S. aureus strains that have become resistant to the antibiotics, methicillin/ cloxacillin which are from penicillin class of antibiotics. MRSA strains are resistant to all β-lactam antibiotics. In addition to cloxacillin, these pathogens are resistant to most other antibiotics and are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.  Most MRSA infections occur in people who have been hospitalised or at any other health care settings, for example, nursing homes and dialysis centres. When an infection occurs in these settings, it is referred to as a healthcare-associated infection (HAI). When an MRSA infection occurs among healthy people in the community, it is referred to as a community-associated infection and is often spread by skin-to-skin contact. Populations at risk include groups such people who live and work in crowded conditions.