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Updated: Oct 13, 2025
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Evaluation of virulence potential of methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates
Ines Creutz1, Tobias Busche2, Franziska Layer3
1Proteome and Metabolome Research, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany; FlüGe Graduate School, School of Public Heath, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
Background:
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) seem to be highly transmissible, often infect otherwise healthy humans and frequently occur in hospital outbreaks.
Methods:
Refugees, living in accommodations in Germany were screened for nasal carriage of S. aureus. The isolates were investigated regarding resistance and virulence, phenotypically and by whole genome data analysis.
Results:
5.6% (9/161) of the refugees are carriers of S. aureus. 2.5% (4/161) are MRSA carriers. Among the refugees, spa-types t021, t084, t304, t991 and t4983 were detected, as well as the new spa-types t18794 and t18795. t304 and t991 are assumed to be local spa-types from the middle east. The isolates are less resistant and marginal biofilm formers. Each isolate has a remarkable set of virulence genes, although genes, encoding for proteins strongly associated with invasive S. aureus infections, like Panton-Valentine leucocidin, were not detected.
Conclusion:
The detection of strains from the middle east, supports the assumption that strains co-travel with the refugees and persist despite a transition of the host's living conditions. Whole genome data analysis does not permit to finally evaluate a germ's virulence. Nevertheless, an impression of the virulence potential of the strains, regarding skills in colonization, resistance, immune evasion, and host cell damaging can be pictured.
Insights
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) were found in 2.5% of refugees in Germany. These strains, some originating from the Middle East, showed lower resistance and virulence potential, suggesting they travel with hosts.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is highly transmissible and causes outbreaks.
- CA-MRSA often infects healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen refugees in Germany for nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus.
- To investigate the resistance and virulence of detected S. aureus isolates using phenotypic and whole genome data analysis.
Main Methods:
- Screening of refugees for S. aureus nasal carriage.
- Phenotypic investigation of isolate resistance and virulence.
- Whole genome data analysis of S. aureus isolates.
Main Results:
- 5.6% of refugees carried S. aureus; 2.5% carried MRSA.
- Detected spa-types included local Middle Eastern strains (t304, t991) and new types (t18794, t18795).
- Isolates exhibited lower resistance, marginal biofilm formation, and carried virulence genes but lacked Panton-Valentine leukocidin.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus strains detected in refugees appear to co-travel and persist in new environments.
- Whole genome analysis provides insight into virulence potential, including colonization, resistance, immune evasion, and host cell damage capabilities.
