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

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

Steward said his daughter, while surfing nearby, became sick with an infection from a type of bacteria called MRSA, which is resistant to many antibiotics.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2025

She was looking after both babies by herself in intensive care when hospital staff from outside the unit told her they had tested positive for a bacterial infection called MRSA.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024

A new synthetic antibiotic developed by University of Liverpool researchers is shown to be more effective than established drugs against 'superbugs' such as MRSA, a new study shows.

From Science Daily • Jan. 3, 2024