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Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: September 5, 2013
Multilocus sequence typing and analysis of putative virulence factors in vancomycin-resistant and
I L B C Camargo1, M S Gilmore, A L C Darini
1Faculdade de Ciencias Farmaceuticas de Ribeirao Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREFM) strains in Brazil show genetic diversity. Pig VSEFM isolates are distinct, while VREFM strains share some genetic traits with international epidemic types, highlighting potential transmission risks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Enterococci are significant causes of hospital-acquired infections.
- High-level aminoglycoside and glycopeptide resistance in enterococci complicates treatment.
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are an increasing global health concern, with rising prevalence in Brazilian hospitals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic relatedness of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREFM) and vancomycin-sensitive E. faecium (VSEFM) from human and animal sources in Brazil.
- To compare Brazilian isolates with previously characterized international strains.
- To identify potential virulence factors and genetic markers associated with resistance.
Main Methods:
- Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was employed to classify 56 E. faecium isolates.
- Putative virulence traits, including the acm, esp, and hyl genes, were assessed.
- eBURST analysis was used to group related sequence types (STs).
Main Results:
- A total of 26 distinct MLST types were identified among the 56 isolates.
- VSEFM isolates from pig feces were genetically distinct from human isolates.
- The esp gene was exclusively found in vancomycin-resistant isolates from Brazil.
- Brazilian VREFM isolates included four STs, with ST-17 isolates harboring esp and hyl genes, consistent with international epidemic strains.
Conclusions:
- Brazilian E. faecium populations exhibit significant genetic diversity.
- The presence of specific STs and virulence genes (esp, hyl) in Brazilian VREFM suggests potential links to international epidemic strains.
- Understanding the genetic landscape of VREFM in Brazil is crucial for infection control and surveillance efforts.
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