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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus between the community and the hospitals in Asian countries: an
Jae-Hoon Song1, Po-Ren Hsueh, Doo Ryeon Chung
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. songjh@skku.edu
Objectives:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is highly prevalent in hospitals in many Asian countries. Recent emergence of community-associated (CA) MRSA worldwide has added another serious concern to the epidemiology of S. aureus infections. To understand the changing epidemiology of S. aureus infections in Asian countries, we performed a prospective, multinational surveillance study with molecular typing analysis.
Methods:
We evaluated the prevalence of methicillin resistance in S. aureus isolates in CA and healthcare-associated (HA) infections, and performed molecular characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility tests of MRSA isolates.
Results:
MRSA accounted for 25.5% of CA S. aureus infections and 67.4% of HA infections. Predominant clones of CA-MRSA isolates were ST59-MRSA-SCCmec type IV-spa type t437, ST30-MRSA-SCCmec type IV-spa type t019 and ST72-MRSA-SCCmec type IV-spa type t324. Previously established nosocomial MRSA strains including sequence type (ST) 239 and ST5 clones were found among CA-MRSA isolates from patients without any risk factors for HA-MRSA infection. CA-MRSA clones such as ST59, ST30 and ST72 were also isolated from patients with HA infections.
Conclusions:
Our findings confirmed that MRSA infections in the community have been increasing in Asian countries. Data also suggest that various MRSA clones have spread between the community and hospitals as well as between countries.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are rising in Asian communities. This study reveals MRSA clones spreading between hospitals and the community, highlighting a growing public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant hospital pathogen in Asia.
- The emergence of community-associated (CA) MRSA presents a growing global health challenge.
- Understanding the evolving epidemiology of S. aureus infections is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changing epidemiology of S. aureus infections in Asian countries.
- To analyze the prevalence and molecular characteristics of MRSA in community-associated (CA) and healthcare-associated (HA) infections.
- To identify predominant MRSA clones and their transmission patterns.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, multinational surveillance study.
- Molecular typing (including SCCmec and spa typing) of MRSA isolates.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- MRSA prevalence was 25.5% in CA infections and 67.4% in HA infections.
- Dominant CA-MRSA clones identified: ST59, ST30, and ST72, often associated with SCCmec type IV.
- Nosocomial MRSA strains (e.g., ST239, ST5) were found in CA settings, and CA-MRSA clones were isolated from HA infections.
Conclusions:
- MRSA infections are increasing in Asian communities.
- Evidence suggests significant spread of MRSA clones between community and hospital settings.
- Cross-border transmission of MRSA clones is also indicated, necessitating coordinated surveillance.
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