Report: Jackson battling serious staph infection

Michael Jackson is being treated for a staph infection that has spread throughout his face and body, according to the Sun newspaper. A report in the British newspaper says the 50-year-old singer is receiving intravenous antibiotics to try and halt the spread.

A source told the Sun that it is a “MRSA-style infection” that is resistant to conventional antibiotics. The Sun reported that Jackson contracted the infection following reconstructive surgery on his nose.

The Times of London reported that the skin on Jackson's face and hands appeared inflamed in photos taken recently of the singer as he left a Los Angeles-area clinic.

In December, biographer Ian Halperin told a British newspaper that Jackson was suffering from Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency and was in need of a lung transplant. Jackson's “official and sole spokesperson, Dr. Tohme Tohme” denied the report, saying in a statement, “The writer’s wild allegations concerning Mr. Jackson’s health are a total fabrication. Mr. Jackson is in fine health.”

The Times was unable to reach Jackson's spokesman for comment.