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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Emergence and spread of a new community-genotype methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clone in Colombia
Javier Escobar-Perez1, Niradiz Reyes2, Ricaurte Alejandro Marquez-Ortiz3
1Bacterial Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Universidad El Bosque, Carrera 9 #131A-02, 110121274, Bogotá, DC, Colombia. javiesco21@yahoo.com.
Background:
Community-genotype methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CG-MRSA) clones are a global concern due to their resistance and increased virulence and their ability to cause infections both hospitalized patients and healthy people in the community. Here, we characterize 32 isolates of a new CG-MRSA clone. These isolates were identified in four cities in Colombia, South America.
Methods:
The isolates were recovered from four different epidemiological and prospective studies that were conducted in several regions of Colombia. Molecular characterizations included multilocus sequence typing; pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; SCCmec, agr and spa typing; and whole-genome sequencing.
Results:
All isolates belonged to ST923 (clonal complex 8), harbouring SCCmec IVa and a spa type t1635 and lacking an arginine catabolism mobile element. The isolates were classified as COL923, were resistant to at least one non-beta-lactam antibiotic, and exhibited high frequencies (>60%) of resistance to macrolides and tetracycline. Using whole-genome sequencing, we found that this new clone harbours novel prophage 3 and beta-island structures and a slightly different pathogenicity island 5. Moreover, isolates belonging to the COL923 clone are grouped in a different clade than USA300 and USA300-LV.
Conclusion:
Our results show the emergence and spread of the COL923 clone in different cities in Colombia. This clone is resistant to several antibiotics and possesses new structures in its mobile genetic elements.
Insights
A new community-genotype methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CG-MRSA) clone, COL923, has emerged in Colombia. This antibiotic-resistant clone exhibits novel genetic structures and is spreading across multiple cities.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Community-genotype methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CG-MRSA) poses a global health threat due to its resistance and virulence.
- CG-MRSA infections affect both hospitalized patients and healthy individuals in the community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a newly identified CG-MRSA clone (COL923) circulating in Colombia.
- To investigate the molecular and genetic features of this emerging clone.
Main Methods:
- Multilocus sequence typing (MLST)
- Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)
- SCCmec, agr, and spa typing
- Whole-genome sequencing (WGS)
Main Results:
- All 32 isolates belonged to ST923 (CC8), harbored SCCmec IVa, spa type t1635, and lacked an arginine catabolism mobile element.
- The COL923 clone showed resistance to non-beta-lactam antibiotics, macrolides, and tetracyclines.
- WGS revealed novel prophage 3 and beta-island structures, and a distinct pathogenicity island 5, differentiating COL923 from USA300.
Conclusions:
- The COL923 clone has emerged and is spreading in multiple Colombian cities.
- This clone exhibits significant antibiotic resistance and unique genetic mobile elements.
- COL923 represents a distinct clade compared to other well-known MRSA strains like USA300.
