MRSA (antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus)
MRSA is a Staphylococcus aureus resistant to meticillin and other commonly used antibiotics.
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Medicines commonly prescribed for MRSA (antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus)
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before using any medicine.
Dosage form: INJECTABLE PERFUSION, 500 mgActive substance: vancomycinManufacturer: Mip Pharma GmbhPrescription requiredDosage form: OINTMENT, 20 mg/gActive substance: mupirocinManufacturer: Glaxosmithkline S.A.Prescription requiredDosage form: INJECTABLE INFUSION, 1000 mgActive substance: vancomycinManufacturer: Mip Pharma GmbhPrescription required
MRSA is a Staphylococcus aureus resistant to meticillin and other commonly used antibiotics. It is not a more aggressive bacterium than any other: it causes the same infections as an ordinary staphylococcus, but it takes the first-choice antibiotics out of play, so different ones must be used. Many people carry it on their skin or in their nose without being ill, and that is called colonisation, not infection.
Colonisation and infection
- colonisation: the bacterium lives on the skin, in the nostrils, in the groin or in the throat without causing any symptoms. In everyday life it does not need treating;
- infection: the bacterium crosses a barrier — a wound, a catheter — and causes illness. Then treatment is needed.
This distinction prevents a great deal of unnecessary anxiety: a positive swab in a well person does not mean being ill.
What infections it causes
- skin infections: boils, abscesses, cellulitis, impetigo;
- surgical wound infection;
- catheter and line infections;
- pneumonia;
- bone and joint infection;
- bloodstream and heart valve infection — the serious forms.
Signs that should raise suspicion
- an abscess or boil that does not improve on the prescribed antibiotic;
- a rapidly enlarging, very painful skin lesion with a purulent centre; it is sometimes mistaken for a spider bite;
- repeated skin infections in the same person or in several family members;
- fever and malaise alongside a skin lesion;
- a surgical wound with purulent discharge;
- spreading redness around a catheter.
When to see a doctor
- a skin infection has not improved within 48–72 hours of antibiotics;
- there is fever, chills or general malaise;
- redness is spreading quickly;
- there is a collection of pus needing drainage;
- infections keep recurring;
- you have diabetes, reduced immunity, a joint or valve prosthesis;
- you live with someone who has had MRSA and you have developed a lesion;
- you work in a healthcare setting or care home and have a skin infection.
Urgent: high fever with confusion, low blood pressure, rapid breathing, severe disproportionate pain or areas of skin turning dark. That points to sepsis or a deep soft tissue infection.
Who is at higher risk
- recent hospital admission or surgery;
- catheters, drains, lines or prostheses;
- care homes and long-stay facilities;
- dialysis;
- frequent antibiotic use;
- diabetes, chronic conditions, reduced immunity;
- open wounds and chronic ulcers;
- contact sports, gyms, shared changing rooms;
- close living in confined spaces;
- injecting drug use.
Diagnosis and treatment
It is confirmed by culture of pus, a wound, blood or a nasal swab, including antibiotic sensitivities. This is the key part: if a skin infection is not responding to initial treatment, the culture is what allows the right antibiotic to be chosen, and it is worth taking before switching drugs blindly.
- draining the abscess: in skin infections this is the main step, often more so than the antibiotic;
- antibiotics active against MRSA, chosen according to sensitivities;
- intravenous antibiotics for serious infections, in hospital;
- removal of the infected catheter or device;
- always complete the course even if you improve sooner: incomplete treatment is what drives resistance;
- decolonisation with nasal mupirocin ointment and chlorhexidine washes in specific circumstances: before surgery or with repeated infections. It is not done routinely.
Preventing spread at home
- frequent hand washing with soap and water or alcohol gel;
- keep wounds covered with a clean, dry dressing until healed;
- do not share towels, razors, bar soap, clothing or bedding;
- wash bedding and towels at a high temperature;
- clean frequently touched surfaces;
- shower after the gym and do not share unclean equipment;
- tell healthcare staff you have had MRSA before an admission or operation;
- do not take leftover antibiotics on your own initiative.
Common questions
Is it more dangerous than other staphylococci? It is not more aggressive, but it narrows the treatment options, which can delay recovery.
Can I get rid of MRSA? Colonisation usually clears on its own. Decolonisation regimens exist for specific situations.
Can I live normally? Yes. With wounds covered and good hand hygiene, the risk to others is low.
Is it curable? Yes, with the right antibiotic and drainage where needed.
Should the whole family be tested? Only if there are repeated infections within the household.
Online consultation
In an online consultation the doctor reviews photographs of the lesion, explains why a culture matters before switching antibiotics, distinguishes colonisation from infection, recognises the signs requiring hospital care and advises on measures to prevent spread at home.
This material is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
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Reviewed on Jul 1, 2026
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Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for MRSA (antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus) with a doctor online.
