Oxacillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus is the same thing as MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staph.Aureus). The lab test for antimicrobial efficacy in the past used Methicillin, now uses Oxacillin. Why is Oxacillin tested instead of Methicillin? Oxacillin is more resistant to degradation in storage and is more likely to detect most heteroresistant strains. In addition, Methicillin is no longer commercially available in the United States. Antimicrobials like Oxacillin, Nafcillin, and Vancomycin now are used for treatment of S. aureus infections.
The purpose of this site is to try to collect relevant information on ORSA and present it in a lay person-friendly format. I am not a Doctor or Nurse. I am a mom of an active 10 year old that had a positive culture in a leg wound from a horse back riding accident. Hopefully, this website will help educate family and friends. It is also my wish to raise public awareness enough to make reporting and tracking of Multi-Resistant strains mandatory.