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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Global distribution of Panton-Valentine leukocidin--positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, 2006
Anne Tristan1, Michele Bes, Helene Meugnier
1Centre National de Référence des Staphylocoques, INSERM, Lyon, France. anne.tristan@chu-lyon.fr
Abstract:
We determined the agr type, multilocus sequence type, protein A gene type (spa typing), toxin gene profile, and antimicrobial drug resistance profile of 469 isolates of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates (PVL-positive CA-MRSA). The isolates had been collected from around the world from 1999 through 2005 by the French National Reference Center for Staphylococci. We found that some continent-specific clones described in 2003, such as clone ST8, have now spread all over the world. Likewise, some PVL-positive CA-MRSA have spread to several countries on various continents. New clones have emerged (e.g., ST377) on new genetic backgrounds. PVL-positive CA-MRSA that were usually susceptible to most antistaphylococcal antimicrobial agents have acquired new resistance determinants (e.g., to gentamicin) in certain countries. The major trait shared by all these clones is a short staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec element of type IV or V.
Insights
Global spread of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-positive CA-MRSA) is evident, with emerging clones and acquired antimicrobial resistance. These strains share a common short staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec element.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections are a growing global health concern.
- Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is a key virulence factor associated with severe CA-MRSA infections.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and evolution of PVL-positive CA-MRSA is crucial for effective control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the genetic profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns of PVL-positive CA-MRSA isolates.
- To investigate the global dissemination and emergence of specific CA-MRSA clones.
- To identify common genetic traits among PVL-positive CA-MRSA strains.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of agr type, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), spa typing, and toxin gene profiles.
- Determination of antimicrobial drug resistance profiles.
- Examination of staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) element types.
Main Results:
- Identified 469 PVL-positive CA-MRSA isolates collected globally between 1999 and 2005.
- Observed global spread of previously continent-specific clones (e.g., ST8) and emergence of new clones (e.g., ST377).
- Documented acquisition of new antimicrobial resistance determinants (e.g., gentamicin resistance) in some PVL-positive CA-MRSA strains.
- Found that all analyzed clones shared a short SCCmec element (type IV or V).
Conclusions:
- PVL-positive CA-MRSA clones exhibit significant global dissemination and ongoing evolution.
- Emergence of new clones and acquisition of antimicrobial resistance pose increasing challenges.
- The common presence of short SCCmec elements (IV or V) is a defining characteristic of these globally spreading CA-MRSA strains.
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