Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus--molecular evolution, characteristics and significance
Budimir, A.; Kalenić, S.
Lijecnicki Vjesnik 129(10-11): 355-363
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-3477 PMID: 18257337 Document Number: 614704
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a significant problem for hospitals worldwide for decades now. Appearance of MRSA strains in the community is becoming a serious public health problem. Community-associated MRSA (CA MRSA) differs from hospital-acquired MRSA (HA MRSA) genotypically and phenotypically. CA MRSA are susceptible to almost all non-beta-lactam antibiotics and they cause severe skin and soft tissue infections, life-threatening necrotizing pneumonia, in previously healthy, younger people. Staphylococcal chromosome cassette mec (SCCmec) that contains mecA gene responsible for resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics is type IV and V in CA MRSA, and significantly smaller than SCCmec types I, II and III, typically present in HA MRSA. Presence of Panton Valentine leucocidin (PVL) is typical for signifficant proportion of CA MRSA. Standard laboratory procedures are used for detection of CA MRSA, as well as rapid molecular methods in high-risk populations. Rapid methods are essential for prevention of CA-MRSA spreading in hospitals.