Two distinct clones of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with the same USA300 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profile: a potential pitfall for identification of USA300 community-associated MRSA

J Clin Microbiol. 2009 Nov;47(11):3765-8. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00934-09. Epub 2009 Sep 16.

Abstract

Analysis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) characterized as USA300 by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis identified two distinct clones. One was similar to community-associated USA300 MRSA (ST8-IVa, t008, and Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive). The second (ST8-IVa, t024, and PVL negative) had different molecular characteristics and epidemiology, suggesting independent evolution. We recommend spa typing and/or PCR to discriminate between the two clones.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bacterial Typing Techniques*
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Community-Acquired Infections / epidemiology
  • Community-Acquired Infections / microbiology*
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / classification*
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / genetics*
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology*

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial