Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

What is the commonly used name for Staphylococcus Aureus?

1. MRSA

2. MRAB

3. Streptococcus

4. Mycobacterium

The correct answer is: MRSA

Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that is often referred to by its acronym, MRSA, when it is specifically the methicillin-resistant strain. MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. This particular strain is notable because it is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics, which can complicate treatment options and increase the risks associated with infections. When discussing Staphylococcus aureus as a general organism, it can encompass both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant strains; however, in healthcare and sterile processing contexts, MRSA is frequently the focus due to its prevalence in healthcare-associated infections. Understanding the implications of MRSA is crucial for infection control practices, especially in sterile processing environments where preventing contamination and ensuring the safety of medical instruments and surfaces is paramount. The other options refer to different genera or species of bacteria that do not share the same context as Staphylococcus aureus. MRAB is not a commonly used acronym in this context, and streptococcus and mycobacterium represent different types of bacteria entirely. Therefore, when considering the commonly used designation for Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA is indeed the appropriate choice due to its clinical significance and notoriety in infection control.