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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Taiwan.
Feng-Jui Chen1, Tsai-Ling Lauderdale, I-Wen Huang
1Division of Clinical Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan, Republic of China. lauderdale@nhri.org.tw
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|December 2, 2005
Summary
A virulent clone of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), positive for Panton-Valentine leukocidin, was identified in Taiwan. This MRSA strain, SCCmec V:ST59, showed susceptibility to common antibiotics across various patient types and specimens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Science
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant global health threat.
- Emergence of specific MRSA clones with distinct virulence factors and genetic profiles requires continuous surveillance.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of MRSA strains in different healthcare settings is crucial for effective treatment and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a specific virulent clone of MRSA in Taiwanese inpatients and outpatients.
- To determine the prevalence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive MRSA strains.
- To assess the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the identified MRSA clone.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial isolates from inpatients and outpatients were collected and analyzed.
- Molecular typing methods were employed to identify the MRSA clone, including SCCmec typing and ST complex determination.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using standard microbiological techniques.
Main Results:
- A virulent, closely related clone of MRSA, identified as Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive and SCCmec V:ST59, was detected in both inpatient and outpatient populations in Taiwan.
- The MRSA isolates were predominantly found in wound specimens but also present in blood, ear, and respiratory samples.
- All identified MRSA isolates demonstrated susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Conclusions:
- The Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive, SCCmec V:ST59 MRSA clone is circulating in Taiwan, affecting both hospitalized and community patients.
- This clone exhibits a broad distribution across various specimen types, highlighting its adaptability.
- Despite its virulence factors, the identified MRSA clone remains susceptible to several key antibiotics, offering therapeutic options.