What does MRSA stand for in medical terms?

MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is a specific strain of staphylococcus bacteria that has developed resistance to methicillin and other antibiotics. This resistance makes MRSA infections harder to treat because the usual treatments for bacterial infections—such as penicillin-based antibiotics—are ineffective. MRSA is particularly concerning in healthcare settings where it can cause severe infections in patients with weakened immune systems.

The identification of methicillin resistance is crucial in clinical settings as it informs healthcare providers about the appropriate antimicrobial therapy needed for effective treatment. Understanding MRSA is especially important in infection control practices, helping to prevent its spread and protect patients from potentially serious infections.