[MLVA analysis and virulence profile of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus causing infections in Paraguayan children]

Abstract

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is one of the first causes of skin and soft tissue infections, and can also produce severe diseases such as osteomyelitis and pneumonia. The aim of this descriptive study was to determine the SCCmec type and virulence profile and to study the genetic diversity by MLVA analysis of 21 CA-MRSA isolates that infected Paraguayan children in 2010. The SCCmec type and virulence factors were performed by PCR and genetic diversity by MLVA (multiple locus variable analysis). All the isolates carried SCCmec cassette iv. hla, hlb and sea genes were detected in 28,6%, 9,5% and 4,8% respectively. The MLVA analysis showed high genetic diversity with congruent antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles. This study revealed the presence of CA-MRSA harbouring SCCmeciv with high genetic diversity, providing information not available in our country.

Keywords: Children; Factores de virulencia; Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Molecular typing; Niños; Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina; Tipificación molecular; Virulence factors.