MRSA

American  

[mur-suh, saidasletters] / ˈmɜr sə, saidasletters /

noun

1. methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , a bacterium that is highly resistant to methicillin, penicillin, and certain other antibiotics, and may cause infections of the skin, blood, lungs, etc..

   MRSA infections in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

2. a staph infection caused by these bacteria.

   the threat of MRSA among athletes.

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MRSA British  

abbreviation

1. methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus : a bacterium that enters the skin through open wounds to cause septicaemia and is extremely resistant to most antibiotics. It has been responsible for outbreaks of untreatable infections among patients in hospitals

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Etymology

Origin of MRSA

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

These samples reflected a wide range of genetic variation and life exposures, including flu; HIV-1, MRSA, MSSA, and SARS-CoV-2 infections; anthrax vaccination; and exposure to organophosphate pesticides.

From Science Daily • Feb. 11, 2026

Artificial intelligence has invented two new potential antibiotics that could kill drug-resistant gonorrhoea and MRSA, researchers have revealed.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2025

Vaccines currently in development for Staphylococcus aureus infections, including MRSA, might have the side effect of fighting atopic dermatitis, cellulitis and impetigo — maybe even acne.

From Salon • Jul. 12, 2025

She said she had privileges stripped and eventually was diagnosed with MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant infection.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024

Researchers then took 20 mice and deliberately infected them with methicillin-resistant S. aureus, better known as MRSA.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2024