MRSA Quiz: Infection Symptoms & Treatment

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) describes a specific type of staph bacterium that is resistant to many antibiotics.

MRSA is contagious. It is a bacterium that can be transmitted from person-to-person, or it can even be picked up by touching a surface where the bacteria are present. Some people seem to be more susceptible to MRSA infections.

A "superbug" is a common term used to describe bacteria or other microorganisms that are resistant or have become resistant to common medical treatments. In this case, a Staph bacterium has become resistant to the most commonly used antibiotics.

In U.S. hospitals, MRSA causes more than 60% of Staph infections. Additionally, MRSA outbreaks occur in diverse types of people who are constantly in close contact, such as team players of contact sports, dormitory residents, inmates, and armed-services personnel.

The nose, armpits, groin, and buttocks are areas of our skin that contain large amounts of Staph bacteria. The nose and nasal passages can become colonized (harbor bacteria) with MRSA.

Using good hygiene, frequently washing hands, and avoiding contact with people known to have MRSA are the best ways to avoid the disease. There is currently no vaccine for MRSA.

MRSA is most often spread through direct contact with the bacteria and your skin. Prevent MRSA with proper hygiene such as hand washing, keeping wounds clean and covered, and not sharing personal hygiene items.

Any bacterial or viral infection can cause sepsis, which is a severe infection of the blood that can be life-threatening or fatal. Severe MRSA infections of the skin, sinuses, or upper respiratory system can overwhelm the body's immune defenses and lead to sepsis.

A MRSA skin infection can often mimic a spider bite. MRSA skin infections tend to cause pockets of infection called abscesses. These abscesses can become full of pus and can be very painful. These abscesses start out as very small pimple-like red bumps and they are often confused for insect or spider bites.

Though most MRSA infections are on the skin, other body systems can become susceptible to MRSA infections. MRSA infection of the lungs can lead to pneumonia. Severe and rapidly spreading Staph infections of the skin can result in "flesh-eating" disease (necrotizing fasciitis). Any severe MRSA infection can result in death.

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin. The infected skin appears red, and is tender and warm to the touch. Any type of bacterial infection in the skin can cause cellulitis, including MRSA.