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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: September 5, 2013
Typing of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec encoding methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolates in
M Moosavian1,2, M Shahin2, T Navidifar2
1Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen. We sought to determine the frequency of the different types of SCCmec in MRSA isolates by performing a cross-sectional study. A total of 72 S. aureus isolates were collected from Imam Khomeini and Golestan hospitals and analysed for MRSA and SCCmec typing by multiplex PCR. The pattern of antibiotic resistance among S. aureus isolates was determined by disc diffusion analysis. Of the 72 S. aureus isolates, 29 (40.27%) were recognized as MRSA. SCCmec type III was the most common type, with 55.17% (16/29), followed by type II with 27.58% (8/29); type IV with 10.34% (3/29); and type I with 6.89% (2/29). All 29 MRSA isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol and erythromycin. In addition, resistance to cephalothin, gentamicin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and rifampicin was seen in 24 (75%), 26 (63.4%), 17 (94.4%), 27 (71.05%), 10 (71.42%) and 13 (68.42%) MRSA isolates, respectively. A decreased sensitivity of MRSA to the antibiotics used was observed, with type III SCCmec being the predominant isolate.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant hospital pathogen. SCCmec type III was most common in MRSA isolates, which showed decreased antibiotic sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Science
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a critical healthcare-associated pathogen.
- Understanding the prevalence of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of different SCCmec types in MRSA isolates.
- To analyze antibiotic resistance patterns in MRSA isolates.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 72 Staphylococcus aureus isolates from two hospitals.
- MRSA and SCCmec typing performed using multiplex PCR.
- Antibiotic resistance patterns assessed via disc diffusion analysis.
Main Results:
- 40.27% (29/72) of isolates were identified as MRSA.
- SCCmec type III was the predominant type (55.17%), followed by type II (27.58%), type IV (10.34%), and type I (6.89%).
- All MRSA isolates exhibited resistance to chloramphenicol and erythromycin, with high resistance rates to other tested antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- SCCmec type III is the most prevalent type among MRSA isolates in the studied hospitals.
- MRSA isolates demonstrate reduced sensitivity to a broad spectrum of antibiotics.
- The findings highlight the need for effective infection control strategies against prevalent MRSA strains.
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