Word parts
What it means
A genus of bacteria. Many people carry them without harm, but they can cause infections when they get into a wound, the blood or a device. Staphylococcus aureus causes skin boils, wound infections, pneumonia, bone and blood infections and food poisoning. Strains that resist common antibiotics are called MRSAMUR-suh, or said as lettersMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a staph bacterium that many common antibiotics cannot kill.Full entry .
For the nurse
Hand hygiene is the main way to stop its spread. Use contact precautions for MRSA per policy and keep wound dressings covered.
At a glance
| Spanish | estafilococo |
|---|---|
| Also written | staphylococci, staph |
Related terms
bacterium
A tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a staph bacterium that many common antibiotics cannot kill.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
cellulitis
A bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin and the tissue just under it.
infection
The entry and growth of germs, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, in the body.