Characterization of SCCmec, Spa Types and Multidrug Resistant of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in Ahvaz, Iran
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Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: September 5, 2013
Mojtaba Moosavian1,2, Paria Baratian Dehkordi2, Mohammad Hashemzadeh1,2
1Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Background:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most pathogens associated with health care. Molecular typing methods are vital for outbreak investigations of MRSA. The aim of this study was characterization of SCCmec, spa types and multidrug resistant of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates in Ahvaz, Iran.
Methods:
A total of 50 MRSA isolates were determined by using the phenotypic method and mecA gene. Antibiotic resistance profile and SCCmec types were screened using disc diffusion method and PCR, respectively. For spa typing of MRSA isolates, two molecular typing methods including the PCR-sequencing and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis were used.
Results:
In the present study, the highest sensitivity of MRSA was to vancomycin and linezolid and the lowest to clindamycin. In the MRSA isolates, 22% were XDR and 78% were MDR. SCCmec type III was found commonly among MRSA. Based on PCR-sequencing and HRM results, 10 different spa types were identified. The spa types t037 and t030 were the most common in this study.
Conclusion:
This study emphasizes the spa variation among MRSA isolates, which may be considered as an important criterion when treating staphylococcal infections. Accurate and early detection of MDR, XDR, or even PDR MRSA isolates strains must be commenced by all clinical microbiology laboratories to reduce the menace of antimicrobial resistance.
Insights
This study characterized methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Iran, revealing significant multidrug resistance (MDR) and extensive spa type diversity. Early detection of resistant MRSA strains is crucial for combating antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major healthcare-associated pathogen.
- Molecular typing is essential for investigating MRSA outbreaks.
- Characterizing MRSA isolates aids in understanding resistance patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize SCCmec types, spa types, and multidrug resistance of MRSA isolates in Ahvaz, Iran.
- To identify common MRSA strains and their resistance profiles.
- To assess the diversity of MRSA in a specific geographic region.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic methods and mecA gene detection identified 50 MRSA isolates.
- Antibiotic resistance profiling and SCCmec typing were performed using disc diffusion and PCR.
- spa typing utilized PCR-sequencing and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis.
Main Results:
- MRSA isolates showed highest sensitivity to vancomycin and linezolid, lowest to clindamycin.
- 78% of isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), and 22% were extensively drug-resistant (XDR).
- SCCmec type III was prevalent; 10 spa types were identified, with t037 and t030 being most common.
Conclusions:
- Significant spa type variation exists among MRSA isolates, impacting treatment strategies.
- Early detection of MDR, XDR, and potentially pandrug-resistant (PDR) MRSA is critical.
- Clinical microbiology labs must prioritize detecting resistant MRSA strains to combat antimicrobial resistance.
