What is a characteristic of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?

The characteristic that Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cause severe skin infections in carriers is accurate because MRSA is known for its ability to colonize on the skin and in the nose of healthy individuals without causing any harm initially. However, under certain conditions, such as if the skin becomes compromised or if an individual has a weakened immune system, MRSA can lead to serious skin infections. These infections can manifest as boils, abscesses, or other types of pus-filled infections that require medical attention.

MRSA is resistant to many common antibiotics, which makes infections more challenging to treat, and this underscores the potential severity of the infections it can cause especially in individuals who carry the bacteria on their skin or mucous membranes. Understanding this aspect of MRSA is crucial for infection prevention in nursing home settings, where individuals may be more vulnerable to severe outcomes.