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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Molecular and phenotypic characteristics of methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-intermediate staphylococcus aureus
Wei-Yao Wang1, Shih-Yi Lee, Tzong-Shi Chiueh
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, No. 2, Yu-De Rd., Taichung, Taiwan 40447.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common pathogens in community- and hospital-associated infections and frequently causes severe and intractable infections in osteoarticular tissues. S. aureus isolates that are resistant to methicillin (meticillin) (MRSA isolates) and intermediately resistant to vancomycin (VISA isolates) have emerged. In this report, we described two patients, one female and one male, diagnosed with septic arthritis due to S. aureus infections. A total of 13 MRSA isolates were obtained from these two patients. All but one isolate belonged to the VISA group. All seven isolates from the female patient were determined to be community associated, multilocus sequence type (MLST) 59, and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mecA (SCCmec) type IV; had direct repeat units (DRUs) of nine repeats; were spa type t437; and were susceptible to sulfa and quinolone antibiotics. The other six isolates, from the male patient, were determined to be hospital associated, MLST 239, and SCCmec type III; had DRUs of 14 repeats; were spa type t037; and were resistant to sulfa and quinolone antibiotics. All 13 MRSA isolates were in agr group I, were pvl negative, and showed no evidence of any association between vancomycin resistance and autolysis.
Insights
This study details two septic arthritis cases caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA). It highlights distinct community-associated and hospital-associated MRSA strains with varying antibiotic resistance profiles.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of community and hospital infections, often affecting bone and joint tissues.
- Emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) poses significant treatment challenges.
- Septic arthritis is a severe joint infection requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- Two patients diagnosed with septic arthritis caused by S. aureus.
- A total of 13 MRSA isolates were collected from the patients.
- 12 of the 13 MRSA isolates exhibited intermediate resistance to vancomycin (VISA).
Findings:
- Isolates from the female patient were community-associated, MLST 59, SCCmec IV, spa type t437, susceptible to sulfa and quinolone antibiotics.
- Isolates from the male patient were hospital-associated, MLST 239, SCCmec III, spa type t037, resistant to sulfa and quinolone antibiotics.
- All 13 MRSA isolates belonged to agr group I, were pvl negative, and showed no link between vancomycin resistance and autolysis.
Implications:
- Understanding the genetic and epidemiological characteristics of MRSA/VISA strains is crucial for effective infection control.
- Distinct strain profiles in community- vs. hospital-associated infections may inform targeted treatment strategies.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of vancomycin resistance and autolysis in S. aureus.
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