A single patient infected with the bacterial superbug Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cost a hospital more than $60,000, according to a new study.

The study published in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS ONE said MRSA infections led patients to a 35-fold increased risk of hospital readmission and three weeks additional hospitalisation.

The research also said that the infection leads to a seven-fold increased risk of death.