Which infection is a concern for hospitals and often resistant to antibiotics?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant concern in hospitals due to its resistance to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that has developed resistance to methicillin and other common antibiotics. This resistance is primarily associated with its ability to survive in the healthcare environment and spread among patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems or open wounds.

The prevalence of MRSA infections in hospitals underscores the importance of proper infection control practices, as these infections can lead to severe complications and increase healthcare costs. Patients with MRSA can experience serious conditions, including bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and surgical site infections. This highlights the critical nature of monitoring and controlling antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings.

While other infections, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections, are also of significant concern in hospitals, MRSA stands out because of its well-documented resistance to multiple antibiotic classes, making effective treatment challenging.