Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that can be found on the skin and in the
throat. It cause range of illnesses from minor skin infections to life-threatening
disease such as meningitis and septicemia.
Some strains of Staphylococcus aureus have evolved become resistant to
one or more of the commonly used antibiotics including methicillin. These are
termed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
MRSA is especially prevalent in hospitals:
- Here patients tend to be more vulnerable to the infection
i.e. older, sicker and weaker.
- People live together and are examined by doctors and nurses that have just
touched other patients.
- Many antibiotics strains are used, any resistant strains therefore have an
advantage,
