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Updated: Dec 4, 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
Human mecC-Carrying MRSA: Clinical Implications and Risk Factors
Carmen Lozano1, Rosa Fernández-Fernández1, Laura Ruiz-Ripa1
1Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain.
Abstract:
A new methicillin resistance gene, named mecC, was first described in 2011 in both humans and animals. Since then, this gene has been detected in different production and free-living animals and as an agent causing infections in some humans. The possible impact that these isolates can have in clinical settings remains unknown. The current available information about mecC-carrying methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates obtained from human samples was analyzed in order to establish its possible clinical implications as well as to determine the infection types associated with this resistance mechanism, the characteristics of these mecC-carrying isolates, their possible relation with animals and the presence of other risk factors. Until now, most human mecC-MRSA infections have been reported in Europe and mecC-MRSA isolates have been identified belonging to a small number of clonal complexes. Although the prevalence of mecC-MRSA human infections is very low and isolates usually contain few resistance (except for beta-lactams) and virulence genes, first isolates harboring important virulence genes or that are resistant to non-beta lactams have already been described. Moreover, severe and even fatal human infection cases have been detected. mecC-carrying MRSA should be taken into consideration in hospital, veterinary and food safety laboratories and in prevention strategies in order to avoid possible emerging health problems.
Insights
The newly identified methicillin resistance gene, mecC, is emerging in human infections, primarily linked to animal sources. While rare, mecC-MRSA poses potential clinical risks, necessitating vigilance in healthcare and safety protocols.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- The methicillin resistance gene, mecC, was first identified in 2011.
- mecC-carrying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been found in various animal species and in human infections.
- The clinical significance and characteristics of mecC-MRSA infections are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze available data on human mecC-MRSA isolates.
- To determine the clinical implications, infection types, and characteristics of mecC-MRSA.
- To investigate potential links to animal reservoirs and other risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of existing literature and case reports on human mecC-MRSA infections.
- Examination of isolate characteristics, including resistance and virulence genes.
- Assessment of geographical distribution and clonal complexes.
Main Results:
- Most human mecC-MRSA infections reported are in Europe, associated with limited clonal complexes.
- Human mecC-MRSA infections are currently rare, with isolates typically possessing few resistance (besides beta-lactams) and virulence genes.
- Severe and fatal cases of mecC-MRSA infection have been documented, alongside isolates with enhanced virulence or non-beta-lactam resistance.
Conclusions:
- mecC-MRSA warrants consideration in clinical and public health surveillance.
- The potential for mecC-MRSA to cause significant human infections, though currently low, is recognized.
- Proactive strategies in healthcare, veterinary, and food safety sectors are recommended to mitigate emerging risks.
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