Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

“Staphylococcus aureus”, often referred to as "staph", is a type of bacteria that is typically found on the human skin and/or in the noses. MRSA, is a form of staph that is resistant to antibiotics of the penicillin class that are commonly used to treat infections, and it kills!

New strains of MRSA are discovered by alarming rates, for example the potentially deadly MRSA which has jumped from food animals to humans, according to a new study involving two Northern Arizona University researchers (2012). The discoveries of new sources of MRSA have widespread implications for the way we deliver modern medical services.

MRSA infections are characterized as skin infections that lead to red, swollen bumps and are usually accompanied by a fever 3; these skin infections can progress to necrotizing fasciitis, a condition that destroys tissue and muscle, popularly known as "flesh-eating disease (source: MIT, United States)


MRSA total number of cases in Seattle (USA) neonatal and childrens’ care. MRSA total number of cases – Denmark 2001 – 2011 Data points source: The state of Western Australia
HA: Healthcare Care Facility Associated MRSA
CA: Community (nursing homes & home healthcare) Associated MRSA