Mercer Disease is another name for methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] infection.MRSA is resistant to the antibiotics typically used to treat staph infections. Because of the resistance to many antibiotics, Mercer Disease can be fatal.

Staphylococcus

This bacteria is commonly found in a person’s nose or on the skin. Unless the bacteria enters the body through a wound or cut, it can be harmless. Most MRSA infections occur in health care environments, such as hospitals, dialysis centers and nursing homes. Patients with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or those who are ill, are more susceptible to the Mercer Disease.

Risk Factors

Young children and immunocompromised people are vulnerable, as their immune systems are not competent. Those who are involved with contact sports where there are injuries and physical contact can have higher incidents of MRSA. This includes sharing towels, equipment, uniforms and other personal items.

Unsanitary living conditions can also contribute to the disease. The most commonly vulnerable are those who are in the hospital or some other medical facility.