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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
09:03

Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: September 5, 2013

SCCmec in staphylococci: genes on the move

Anne-Merethe Hanssen1, Johanna U Ericson Sollid

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Virology, Institute of Medical Biology, University of Tromso, Tromso, Norway. annemh@fagmed.uit.no

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology
|January 20, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) elements are the primary vectors for the mecA gene, conferring methicillin resistance in staphylococci. This review details SCC structure, distribution, and discusses potential reservoirs and transfer mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) elements are the sole known vectors for the mecA gene, responsible for methicillin resistance in staphylococci.
  • SCCmec elements are classified based on their recombinase type and genetic makeup, with types I-V documented.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the structure and distribution of SCC elements.
  • To explore genetic variants, rudiments, and potential origins of SCC elements.
  • To discuss the role of mecA-positive coagulase-negative staphylococci as reservoirs and the mechanisms of SCCmec transfer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on SCC elements and the mecA gene.
  • Analysis of SCCmec classification systems and genetic compositions.
  • Discussion of proposed mechanisms for SCC element transfer and evolution.

Main Results:

  • SCC elements are the established vectors for the mecA gene in staphylococci.
  • SCCmec elements exhibit diverse classifications (I-V) and genetic variations.
  • The origin of SCC elements remains unclear, with potential reservoirs identified in coagulase-negative staphylococci.

Conclusions:

  • SCC elements are crucial for understanding methicillin resistance in staphylococci.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the origin and interspecies transfer mechanisms of SCC elements.
  • Horizontal gene transfer and de novo production are discussed as potential contributors to the spread of methicillin resistance.

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