MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Information for patients, carers and relatives

What is MRSA?

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is a common germ which lives harmlessly on the skin and in the lining of the nose. It can be found on up to a third of the population without their knowing or coming to any harm. This is known as colonisation. There are times when it can cause a mild infection of spots or boils. Rarely it can cause severe diseases such as wound infections or infection of the bloodstream (septicemia).

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