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A Closer Look at MRSA

What is MRSA?

This tiny cluster of bacteria is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), seen under a microscope. This strain of the common "staph" bacteria causes infections in different parts of the body -- including the skin, lungs, and other areas. MRSA is sometimes called a "superbug" because it doesn’t respond to many antibiotics. Though most MRSA infections are minor, some can be life-threatening.

MRSA Skin Infection: Signs & Symptoms


MRSA, Spider Bite or Something Else?

Bug bites, rashes, and other skin problems can be confused with MRSA because the symptoms are similar. ER doctors often ask patients who think they have a spider bite whether they saw the spider. These "bites" may turn out to be MRSA. When a skin infection spreads or doesn’t improve after 2-3 days on usual antibiotics, contact your doctor. 

MRSA Skin Infection: Cellulitis


MRSA Skin Infection: Abscess

Without proper, timely care, the bacteria can cause a minor infection site to become an abscess -- a painful lump under the skin that’s filled with pus. Treatment may require surgical drainage and antibiotics.

MRSA: How Do People Catch It?

MRSA is spread by touching an infected person or exposed item when you have an open cut or scrape. Poor hygiene -- sharing razors, towels, or athletic gear can also be to blame. Two in 100 people carry the bacteria on their bodies, but usually don't get sick.


Who Gets MRSA?

People who've had recent surgery or a hospital stay are more likely to get MRSA. It's also seen in older people, those living in nursing homes, and people with weakened immune systems. A chronic disease like diabetes, cancer, or HIV raises your chances of coming down with this stubborn infection.

How Safe Are Hospitals?

Hospitals are the main sources of MRSA infections due to the high traffic of ill or wounded patients. They’re working to curb the problem. Efforts include screening patients for MRSA, good hand hygiene, and wearing gloves. It's paying off -- MRSA infections are down an estimated 50% in health care settings. 

Can Healthy People Get MRSA?

Yes. Infections are showing up more in people outside of hospitals. These outbreaks -- called community-associated MRSA -- are seen at schools, gyms, day care centers and other places where people share close quarters.


MRSA in Dogs and Cats


MRSA on the Beach


How Is MRSA Diagnosed?


How Is MRSA Treated?


New Drugs Hit the Market

The FDA is fast-tracking new treatments for MRSA. It has approved three new antibiotics: Dalvance (dalbavancin) and Orbactiv (oritavancin), which you get through an IV, and Sivextro (tedizolid phosphate), a pill that you take every day.


MRSA Skin Infection: Home Care

If drugs are prescribed, it's important to finish all doses -- even if your symptoms fade. Stopping early can cause the infection to come back or allow the MRSA bacteria to become immune to the drugs that still work. Keep the sore covered until it has healed and change the bandages when your doctor's tells you to. You should also wash any used bedding, towels, and clothes.

MRSA Complications


How to Avoid MRSA

Frequent hand washing with soap and water and using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer are great ways to avoid MRSA. Wipe down surfaces you come into contact with at the gym and shower promptly after any skin-to-skin contact. Don't touch other people's wounds or bandages or share personal items. During a hospital stay, remind staff members to wash their hands before they touch you.

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Understanding MRSA Infection -- the Basics

What Is MRSA?



Though most  MRSA infections aren't serious, some can be life-threatening. Many public health experts are alarmed by the spread of tough strains of MRSA. Because it's hard to treat, MRSA is sometimes called a "super bug."

What Causes MRSA?

Garden-variety staph are common bacteria that can live in our bodies. Plenty of healthy people carry staph without being infected by it. In fact, one third of everybody has staph bacteria in their noses.

But staph can be a problem if it manages to get into the body, often through a cut. Once there, it can cause an infection. Staph is one of the most common causes of skin infections in the U.S. Usually, these are minor and don't need special treatment. Less often, staph can cause serious problems like infected wounds or pneumonia.


While some antibiotics still work, MRSA is constantly adapting. Researchers developing new antibiotics are having a tough time keeping up.

Who Gets MRSA?

MRSA is spread by contact. So, you could get MRSA by touching another person who has it on the skin. Or you could get it by touching objects that have the bacteria on them. MRSA is carried by about 2% of the population (or 2 in 100 people), although most of them aren't infected.

MRSA infections are common among people who have weak immune systems and are in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care centers. Infections can appear around surgical wounds or invasive devices, like catheters or implanted feeding tubes. 

Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on April 08, 2014

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