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Plasmid profiles of multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at a children's hospital
1Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, China.
Abstract:
Twenty-six strains of multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) recovered from November 1985 to February 1986 were screened for their plasmid profiles. Among them, 11 strains were recovered from 8 patients with definite nosocomial infections. The results showed that one MRSA strain carrying 5 plasmids with molecular weight ranging from 1.75 X 10(6) to 5 X 10(6) daltons was epidemic in our hospital while 3 other distinct strains caused cross infections in both the burn ward and the medical wards. The epidemic strain and two other hospital-acquired strains were found in identical form in the community, suggesting that the pattern of nosocomial MRSA can be affected by strains outside hospital. The plasmid profile analysis was employed to differentiate the epidemic isolates from the coisolates and to study the relation between clinical isolates. The method is apparently superior to antibiogram.
Insights
This study analyzed multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, revealing an epidemic strain and others causing cross-infections. Hospital-acquired MRSA patterns are influenced by community strains, with plasmid profiling outperforming antibiograms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Understanding the epidemiology of MRSA is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the plasmid profiles of MRSA strains isolated from hospital and community settings.
- To differentiate epidemic and cross-infecting MRSA strains.
- To assess the relationship between clinical isolates and community strains.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid profile analysis of 26 MRSA strains.
- Comparison of isolates from nosocomial infections and the community.
- Evaluation of plasmid profiling against antibiogram for strain differentiation.
Main Results:
- One MRSA strain with 5 plasmids was epidemic in the hospital.
- Three other distinct MRSA strains caused cross-infections in different wards.
- Epidemic and hospital-acquired strains were also found in the community.
- Plasmid profiling proved superior to antibiogram for differentiating MRSA isolates.
Conclusions:
- The epidemiology of nosocomial MRSA is influenced by community strains.
- Plasmid profile analysis is a valuable tool for tracking MRSA transmission and differentiating isolates.
- Effective infection control strategies should consider both hospital and community MRSA reservoirs.