Which is True of MRSA

Question

Which is true of MRSA?
A)It stands for moxicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
B)They have R plasmids.
C)They may be sensitive to Synercid.
D)All MRSA strains remain sensitive to vancomycin.
E)They have R plasmids AND they may be sensitive to Synercid.

Accepted Answer

MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, not "moxicillin resistant," making option A incorrect. MRSA strains can indeed have R plasmids, which are genetic elements that can carry antibiotic resistance genes, including those for methicillin resistance. Additionally, MRSA may be sensitive to Synercid, a combination of quinupristin and dalfopristin, which is used to treat infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, including some strains of MRSA. Not all MRSA strains remain sensitive to vancomycin; resistance to this antibiotic has been reported, making option D incorrect. Therefore, the statement that MRSA strains can have R plasmids and may be sensitive to Synercid is true.