It is a form of the infection-causing bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus, commonly abbreviated as staph. Staph colonizes approximately 1/3 of the population's noses. These people are not infected by the bacteria; they are merely carriers. Staph differs from MRSA in that antibiotics such as penicillin and methicillin can kill it. It is impossible to distinguish between the two without culturing the infection or attempting to treat it. It commonly is contracted through breaks in the skin or open wounds; however, it can further develop into an infection of the lungs or blood. It can also enter the body through airways, ears, nose, etc.

MRSA is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics such as methiciliin and penicillin. There are two forms of MRSA: CA-MRSA (Community Acquired) and HA-MRSA (Hospital Associated). CA-MRSA is the main form spreading through the community and is slightly less severe than HA-MRSA, which is mainly contracted in close-contact or medical care facilities such as hospitals and senior centers. CA-MRSA became more widespread in the 90's due to overuse of antibiotics. Hospitals take rigorous precautions to avoid spreading HA-MRSA. Unless you have been recently hospitalized, work in a hospital, or come into close, frequent contact with someone who spends a great deal of time in a hospital setting, it is unlikely that you would contract HA-MRSA.

Symptoms of MRSA include red pimples that appear infected, as well as abcesses of pus in wounds. MRSA is spread through skin to skin contact, as well as from touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria with open wounds. Please see the "Symptoms" page for more details on Symptoms and Treatment.