What is MRSA?

MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

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 realise they are carrying the germ, or only experience minor problems such as skin infections or boils.

Minor SA infections can be treated with antibiotics. In the past, even serious SA infections could be successfully treated with antibiotics similar to methicillin. However, over the past 50 years or so, some types of SA have developed into 'super-strains', which have become resistant to methicillin as well as many other antibiotics and so are classified as MRSA.

MRSA can be difficult to treat and may require a lengthy stay in hospital. In some cases, it can lead to serious health problems such as blood poisoning and infections of the lungs, bones or the heart valve. A small number of people die from the effects of MRSA.

Unfortunately, rates of MRSA in the UK are among the highest in Europe and so it is important to understand how MRSA is passed on and what can be done to prevent it.