In healthcare facilities, MRSA commonly causes what types of infections?

• A. Skin infections only
• B. Urinary tract infections
• C. Bloodstream infections and surgical site infections and pneumonia
• D. Dental infections

Answer: (C)

MRSA in healthcare settings is a major cause of invasive infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus can invade the body beyond the skin, leading to bloodstream infections, infections at surgical sites, and pneumonia (including ventilator-associated pneumonia). These infections are especially problematic in patients with devices like IV lines, catheters, or those who have had surgery, because the bacteria resist common antibiotics and can spread quickly in a hospital environment. While MRSA can cause skin and soft tissue infections, the most clinically significant invasive forms in hospitals are bloodstream infections, surgical-site infections, and pneumonia. Dental infections are not typically associated with MRSA in this context.