Questions and answers about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Updated FAQ, 18 November 2014
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are bacteria which are resistant to certain antimicrobials which can cause, among other diseases, wound infections and inflammation of the respiratory system in humans. In the past, these bacteria were mainly found in hospitals where they were transmitted via contact from person to person. In recent years, there have been increased numbers of cases of infections which people have contracted outside hospital.
MRSA have also been detected in livestock and in food which can thus become a source of infection for humans. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has compiled Frequently Asked Questions about MRSA and their presence in the food supply chain.