methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

A type of bacteria that causes an infection that does not respond to common antibiotics, including methicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin. Most methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections occur on the skin and are mild. However, they can also be serious or life threatening and difficult to treat. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections usually occur in people with weakened immune systems who are in hospitals, nursing homes, or other healthcare centers. They can also occur in healthy people who have skin-to-skin contact with others, such as childcare workers, team athletes, and people who live in crowded conditions. Also called MRSA.