Welcome to the MRSA Research Center.
"MRSA" stands for "methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus" (pronounced "mersa"). MRSA is an antibiotic-resistant bacterium. We seek to prevent, control, and treat MRSA through basic scientific and clinical research.
Each year, 90,000 Americans suffer from invasive MRSA infection; about 20,000 die. Many are children.
At the MRSA Research Center, we study clinical and molecular MRSA-related trends and assess interventions and therapies. Our hope is that, together, we can help fill many of the gaps in our knowledge about MRSA — the most common infectious disease in the United States today.
For Clinical ResearchersOur clinical research goal is to understand the roots of the MRSA epidemic and develop preventative and treatment measures to block the spread of this dangerous pathogen from person to person. |
For Laboratory ResearchersOur laboratory science research goal is to further our understanding of the biology of MRSA to enable the design of new strategies for
future therapy and vaccine development. |
For Infection Control ProfessionalsThe CDC demonstrated in 2005 that the vast majority of MRSA infections have their onset in the community. Our Jail Study and our Household Contacts study attempt to further our understanding. |
For Patients & Families Affected by MRSAOur MRSA Research Center is engaged in a variety of studies to understand how MRSA strains cause infection in otherwise healthy people — people like yourself. |
Lisa Verber Pediatric Immunization Program (PIP)
Separately from the MRSA Research Center, we also manage the Pediatric Immunization Program (PIP) whose aim is to achieve >90% on-time adherence with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations among Chicago inner-city children 0-35 by a novel reminder, recall approach beginning at birth.
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A Message from the Principal Investigator

Read More from Dr. Robert Daum »