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High frequency of Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes in invasive methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strains and the relationship with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Córdoba, Argentina

High frequency of Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes in invasive methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strains and the relationship with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Córdoba, Argentina

Authors :
Hector Alex Saka
José Luis Bocco
Ana Vindel
Claudia Sola
Source :
European journal of clinical microbiologyinfectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology. 26(4)
Publication Year :
2007

Abstract

In the study presented here, the genetic characteristics of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strains isolated from patients attending hospitals in the city of Cordoba, Argentina, during 1999-2002 were evaluated to determine their genetic relationship with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) clones as part of an effort to control the potential emergence of new epidemic MRSA strains. The results showed there is a high frequency of MSSA strains carrying Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes in invasive infections in Cordoba, Argentina, particularly in those occurring in hospital settings. Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes were found in the genomic background of one clone (ST30-N pulsotype) belonging to a successful internationally distributed MSSA lineage (clonal complex 30), which is closely related to the EMRSA-16 pandemic clone. These genes were also detected in the ancestral clone (ST5-M pulsotype) of the most prevalent MRSA epidemic clone causing healthcare-associated infections in this region, known as the Cordobes/Chilean clone. The molecular characterization of circulating MSSA strains, including the detection of Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes, is thus a useful marker for investigating the evolving epidemiology of hospital- and community-acquired MRSA clones.

Details

ISSN :
09349723
Volume :
26
Issue :
4
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
European journal of clinical microbiologyinfectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....cdbed18e32a75ca7dc4062589dba7bd8