MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of staph bacterial infection that is resistant to several commonly used antibiotics, making it more challenging to treat than non-resistant strains. It can cause a range of infections, most often affecting the skin and soft tissues, where it may appear as painful red bumps, boils, abscesses, or areas of swelling that may drain pus. In more serious cases, MRSA can spread to the bloodstream, lungs, joints, or other organs, leading to severe illness. MRSA infections are classified as community-associated or healthcare-associated, depending on where they are acquired. The bacteria spread through direct contact with infected wounds, contaminated surfaces, or close physical contact, particularly in crowded or healthcare settings.