Characterization of a variant of the SCCmec element in a bloodstream isolate of Staphylococcus intermedius

Microb Drug Resist. 2007 Spring;13(1):7-10. doi: 10.1089/mdr.2006.9991.

Abstract

Here we report for the first time, a detailed characterization of a variant of the SCCmec element, in a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus intermedius human isolate. S. intermedius is a coagulase-positive zoonotic microrganism, recently classified as a separate species. In routine clinical laboratory practice, the coagulase production is used as criterion of pathogenicity related to S. aureus, but S. intermedius is frequently misidentified-being mistaken for S. aureus-and consequently its real incidence underestimated. S. intermedius have been found only occasionally in human beings, and methicillin-resistance is very rare for this organism. Even if the genetic element responsible for methicillin-resistance--the mecA gene carried by diverse staphylococcal chromosomal cassettes--has been described in various staphylococcal species, the current literature doesn't report any case of S. intermedius isolate carrying SCCmec-like elements. Our study could be useful to explain the mechanism and routes of transfer of the chromosomal cassette carrying the mec complex, among staphylococci.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacteremia / blood
  • Bacteremia / microbiology
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacteriological Techniques
  • Chromosomes, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Methicillin Resistance / genetics*
  • Recombinases / genetics
  • Staphylococcus / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus / genetics*
  • Staphylococcus / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Recombinases