The 50-year-old singer reportedly contracted the skin infection – which is resistant to conventional antibiotics – while having surgery to reconstruct his nose.

A source told Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “The infection has spread throughout his face and body and is being aggressively treated by doctors.”

“There’s a chance it could turn into a flesh-eating disorder where it begins to kill off his skin, so he’s being very carefully monitored.”

Michael is receiving treatment for the MRSA-like bug via an intravenous drip, and was pictured leaving a clinic with inflamed and blotchy skin partly concealed beneath a surgical mask.

Celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn said: “It is possible that Mr. Jackson has a staph infection or MRSA.”

“In some worse cases surgeons will have to remove the infected tissue if it dies – leaving the patient needing major reconstructive surgery.”

“It is particularly worrying if it’s on the face.”

In December, author and celebrity commentator Ian Halperin claimed Michael had a potentially fatal lung disease.

However, the singer’s spokesman dismissed the claims.

He said: “Mr. Jackson is in fine health and finalizing negotiations with a major entertainment company and television network for both a world tour and a series of specials and appearances.”

Source: BANG Showbizmichael-jackson