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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

StaphVar-DNA microarray analysis of accessory genome elements of community-acquired methicillin-resistant

F El Garch1, M Hallin, R De Mendonça

  • 1Université Libre de Bruxelles, Hôpital Erasme, Belgium.

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|March 21, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A new microarray, StaphVar Array, effectively characterizes virulence and resistance genes in Staphylococcus aureus strains. Belgian community-acquired MRSA strains show significant genetic diversity, with some profiles linked to specific lineages.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus harbors a core genome and an accessory genome containing mobile genetic elements (MGEs).
  • MGEs are crucial for the dissemination of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes in S. aureus.
  • Community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) presents a significant public health challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a composite microarray, the StaphVar Array, for characterizing variable resistance and virulence genes in S. aureus.
  • To analyze the genetic profiles of Belgian CA-MRSA strains using the developed microarray.

Main Methods:

  • Design of oligonucleotide probes targeting 403 genes (antimicrobial resistance, virulence, adhesion) from eight S. aureus genomes.
  • Validation of the StaphVar Array using reference strains.
  • Characterization of 13 Belgian CA-MRSA strains representing diverse multilocus sequence typing (MLST) lineages.

Main Results:

  • The StaphVar Array demonstrated high accuracy (90-97%) in analyzing reference strains.
  • Significant strain-dependent gene content variation (54.4%) was observed in CA-MRSA strains.
  • Distinct exotoxin, enterotoxin, cytolysin, and adhesin gene profiles were associated with specific MLST lineages, with the USA300 arginine catabolic mobile element as a notable exception.

Conclusions:

  • The StaphVar Array is a valuable tool for profiling approximately 400 variable determinants in S. aureus.
  • Belgian CA-MRSA strains exhibit substantial diversity in virulence and resistance gene content.
  • The study confirmed the presence of the USA300 clone in Belgium and highlighted conserved virulence gene associations within MLST lineages.

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