The frequency of methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA) infections is increasing in both hospital and community settings in the United States and globally. The rise in MRSA infections is partly due to advancements in patient care and the pathogen's adaptability. MRSA infections impose a significant burden on healthcare resources and have high morbidity and mortality rates. Community-associated MRSA infections, which lack apparent risk factors, have emerged and are causing considerable morbidity and mortality. These infections often involve person-to-person transmission and are associated with specific risk factors. Recent studies have explored the mechanisms that allow *S. aureus* to become resistant to available drugs, and the increasing complexity of *S. aureus* infections highlights the need for better understanding and management of these infections.The frequency of methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA) infections is increasing in both hospital and community settings in the United States and globally. The rise in MRSA infections is partly due to advancements in patient care and the pathogen's adaptability. MRSA infections impose a significant burden on healthcare resources and have high morbidity and mortality rates. Community-associated MRSA infections, which lack apparent risk factors, have emerged and are causing considerable morbidity and mortality. These infections often involve person-to-person transmission and are associated with specific risk factors. Recent studies have explored the mechanisms that allow *S. aureus* to become resistant to available drugs, and the increasing complexity of *S. aureus* infections highlights the need for better understanding and management of these infections.