MSSA stands for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. It is a term used in the field of microbiology and medicine to describe a certain type of bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium commonly found on the skin and in the nose of healthy individuals without causing any harm or symptoms. However, under certain circumstances, such as a weakened immune system or a breach in the skin, it can cause infections.
Methicillin-sensitive refers to the susceptibility of this specific strain of Staphylococcus aureus to the antibiotic methicillin. In other words, MSSA bacteria can be effectively killed or inhibited by this particular type of antibiotic.
MSSA infections can range from mild to severe, depending on the location and extent of the infection. Some common examples of MSSA infections include skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections, bloodstream infections, and bone and joint infections.
Different diagnostic methods, such as culturing samples and performing antibiotic susceptibility testing, are utilized in order to identify the presence of MSSA and determine the appropriate treatment. In cases of MSSA infection, treatment usually involves the administration of antibiotics that are effective against this particular strain of Staphylococcus aureus, such as methicillin.
It is important to distinguish MSSA from another variant called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which has acquired resistance to methicillin and other common antibiotics.
