What hospital-acquired disease is caused by a strain of staph bacteria resistant to common antibiotics?

The correct answer is MRSA, which stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This strain of staph bacteria is notable for its resistance to methicillin and other common antibiotics, making it a significant concern in healthcare settings. MRSA often leads to skin infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections, particularly in hospitalized patients or those with weakened immune systems.

The resistance characteristic of MRSA stems from genetic mutations that allow the bacteria to survive treatment with antibiotics that would ordinarily be effective against other strains of staphylococci. This poses challenges for treatment and management in hospitals, where infection control measures must be rigorously implemented to prevent outbreaks.

Understanding MRSA's behavior and resistance mechanisms is crucial for healthcare professionals in order to develop effective treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.