Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA): Diagnosis and Treatment

A culture of the suspected infected areas may be sent to the lab to identify the bacteria. When Staphylococcus Aureus, a type of bacteria, is resistant to methicillin, then methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is diagnosed.

Since the antibiotic methicillin does not work, MRSA is treated with other antibiotics. Even when the infection is treated, MRSA is often still present on the skin or in the nose. This is why isolation is required during future hospital stays. If there are three negative cultures from the nose, groin and armpit, isolation may no longer be required. Your health care provider will make this assessment.

This information has been approved by Gwen Huitt, MD, MS (May 2008).