'''Staphylococcus aureus''' is an extremely prevalent gram-positive rod-shaped [[bacteria ]] found in nature. The widespread overuse and misuse of antibiotics has created strains that are variably resistant to antibiotics. The term "MRSA" refers to methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus. As a sidenote, methicillin is an antibiotic that is no longer in use due to its kidney complications.
MRSA should more correctly be called NRSA for nafcillin resistant staphylococcus aureus. MRSA infections are often treated
with the antibiotic vancomycin. Unfortunately and increasingly, strains are becoming resistant to vancomycin (termed VRSA).