Incidents of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been prominent in the news over the past few years, drawing attention to a type of infection that is resistant to certain antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus has three features that make it distinct among most other clinically important bacteria. Not only do MRSA infections lead to higher lengths of stay and more cost then MSSA infections, but more importantly, MRSA infections lead to a higher mortality. MRSA is no longer confined to hospitals and hospital-attending people, it has now vigorously invaded recreational, rehabilitation, sporting and teaching facilities.