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Updated: May 5, 2026

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

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A novel staphylococcal cassette chromosomal element, SCCfusC, carrying fusC and speG in fusidic acid-resistant

Yu-Tzu Lin1, Jui-Chang Tsai, Hsiao-Jan Chen

  • 1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|November 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Fusidic acid resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is often linked to the fusC gene. Researchers discovered a new genetic structure, SCCfusC, carrying fusC and potentially contributing to polyamine resistance in these bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant public health threat.
  • Fusidic acid is a crucial antibiotic for treating S. aureus infections, but resistance is increasing.
  • The genetic basis for fusidic acid resistance in MRSA requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of the fusC gene in fusidic acid-resistant MRSA isolates.
  • To characterize the genetic structure and location of the fusC gene within the S. aureus genome.
  • To explore potential roles of associated genes, such as speG, in bacterial resistance mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 46 MRSA isolates collected between 2008 and 2010 for fusidic acid resistance.
  • Nucleotide sequencing of the fusC gene and its flanking regions.
  • Identification and characterization of novel staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) structures.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of the fusC gene (59%) was observed in fusidic acid-resistant MRSA isolates.
  • A novel SCC element, designated SCCfusC, was identified, containing the fusC gene.
  • SCCfusC was found integrated into rlmH and located upstream of the SCCmec region.
  • The speG gene was present within the SCCfusC element, suggesting a potential role in polyamine resistance.

Conclusions:

  • The fusC gene is highly prevalent in fusidic acid-resistant MRSA.
  • A novel genetic element, SCCfusC, harbors the fusC gene and is integrated into the S. aureus chromosome.
  • SCCfusC may play a role in the emergence and spread of fusidic acid resistance and potentially polyamine resistance in MRSA.

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