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Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
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Characterization of a Novel Composite Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus

Pattrarat Chanchaithong1, Nuvee Prapasarakul2, Vincent Perreten3

  • 1Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|December 9, 2015
PubMed

Insights

A novel composite island, SCCmecAI16-SCCczrAI16-CI, was found in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. This discovery impacts understanding of methicillin resistance in veterinary and human health.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Veterinary Medicine

Background:

  • Identification of a novel staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) composite island, designated SCCmecAI16-SCCczrAI16-CI, in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.
  • Characterization of the island's structure, revealing subdivision into SCCmecAI16, SCCczrAI16, and SCC-likeAI16 elements based on integration site sequences.

Discussion:

  • SCCmecAI16 harbors a new combination of ccrA1B3 genes and a class A mec complex, contributing to methicillin resistance.
  • SCCczrAI16 contains ccrA1B6 genes along with genes conferring restriction-modification and heavy metal resistance, suggesting potential co-selection mechanisms.
  • The composite island was detected in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius sequence types ST112 and ST111.

Key Insights:

  • The novel SCCmecAI16-SCCczrAI16-CI represents a unique genetic structure in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.
  • The presence of this island in isolates from both dogs and veterinarians highlights potential zoonotic implications.
  • Understanding the genetic makeup of this island is crucial for tracking and managing antimicrobial resistance.

Outlook:

  • Further research is needed to elucidate the evolutionary history and dissemination pathways of this composite island.
  • Investigating the functional role of restriction-modification and heavy metal resistance genes in conjunction with SCCmec is warranted.
  • Monitoring the prevalence of this island in clinical and veterinary settings can inform antimicrobial stewardship strategies.

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