Mrsa - GCSE Biology Definition

MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. It is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that has developed resistance to several commonly used antibiotics, including methicillin. This makes MRSA infections more difficult to treat than non-resistant bacterial infections. MRSA can cause a range of illnesses, from minor skin infections to more serious conditions such as blood poisoning (sepsis), or pneumonia. It spreads easily in environments where people are in close contact, such as hospitals. Good hygiene, especially regular handwashing, is important to help prevent its spread. In GCSE Biology, MRSA is used as an example of how natural selection can lead to antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations.