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First outbreak of PVL-positive nonmultiresistant MRSA in a neonatal ICU in Australia: comparison of MALDI-TOF and

S Schlebusch1, G R Price, S Hinds

  • 1Microbiology Department (Level 5), Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory (Block 7), Herston Hospitals Campus, Herston, Brisbane 4029, Queensland, Australia. sanmarie_schlebusch@health.qld.gov.au

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|June 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study details Australia's first community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) CC30 outbreak in a NICU. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) proved effective for tracking MRSA strains.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strains are an increasing global health concern.
  • Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are vulnerable settings for healthcare-associated infections.
  • The Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL)-positive CC30 MRSA strain has been associated with severe infections.

Observation:

  • This report documents the first identified outbreak of a PVL-positive, non-multiresistant CA-MRSA CC30 strain within an Australian NICU.
  • The outbreak involved a specific CC30 strain, highlighting its potential for NICU transmission.
  • Standard infection control measures were in place during the observation period.

Findings:

  • Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was evaluated as a rapid microbial typing method for outbreak surveillance.
  • MALDI-TOF-MS analysis, using composite correlation index (CCI), demonstrated high discriminatory power, correlating well with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) plus binary gene analysis.
  • The typing results confirmed the clonal relatedness of the isolates, validating the outbreak investigation.

Implications:

  • The findings underscore the critical need for robust surveillance and stringent infection control practices to prevent MRSA outbreaks in NICUs.
  • Rapid and accurate typing methods like MALDI-TOF-MS are essential tools for timely outbreak detection and management.
  • Continued vigilance and research into emerging MRSA strains and their transmission dynamics are crucial for safeguarding vulnerable patient populations.

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