Ferric Fang, professor of laboratory medicine at the University of Washington presents the novel and problematic Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. These strains have emerged as highly virulent drug-resistant pathogens in both community and hospital settings.  This lecture will review current knowledge regarding the epidemiology and pathogenesis of this dangerous microbe and provide guidance with regard to the detection, prevention and treatment of MRSA infections. From the Series:Laboratory Medicine Grand Rounds