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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria

Published on: May 8, 2013

Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci: epidemiological and molecular

André Martins1, Maria de Lourdes R S Cunha

  • 1Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brasil.

Microbiology and Immunology
|September 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcus infections are a major health concern, with increasing resistance to oxacillin, a key treatment drug. This review covers resistance, genetics, and detection of oxacillin resistance in Staphylococcus species, particularly in Brazil.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Staphylococcus infections pose significant human health risks.
  • Oxacillin resistance is a growing problem in both Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) of nosocomial origin.
  • Methicillin resistance is mediated by the mecA gene within the mobile SCCmec cassette.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the resistance patterns, epidemiology, genetics, and detection methods for oxacillin resistance in Staphylococcus species.
  • To highlight the increasing prevalence of these resistant strains in Brazil.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Staphylococcus spp. resistance.
  • Analysis of genotypic and phenotypic detection methods for oxacillin resistance.
  • Discussion of epidemiological data, including pandemic clones.

Main Results:

  • Oxacillin resistance is prevalent in nosocomial Staphylococcus aureus and CNS isolates.
  • The mecA gene, located on the SCCmec cassette, is responsible for methicillin resistance.
  • Five major pandemic clones of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus have been identified globally.

Conclusions:

  • Oxacillin resistance in Staphylococcus spp. is a critical issue, demanding effective detection and management strategies.
  • Understanding the genetics and epidemiology of resistance is crucial for combating staphylococcal infections.
  • The rising incidence in Brazil necessitates focused research and public health interventions.

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