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Updated: May 7, 2026

Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
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Emergence and Genomic Characterization of a spa Type t4407 ST6-SCCmec Type IVa Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus

Yasser Gaber1,2, Heba M TumAllah1, Nourhan H AbdelAllah2,3

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mutah University, Al-Karak 61710, Jordan.

Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|February 24, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This study identified Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains from Jordanian hospital surfaces, revealing novel genetic traits and intercontinental transmission patterns. The findings enhance understanding of MRSA in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant infection control challenge in Jordanian hospitals.
  • Understanding the genetic makeup and resistance patterns of circulating MRSA strains is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from critical hospital surfaces in Jordan.
  • To perform whole-genome sequencing on these isolates to characterize their genetic lineage, resistance genes, and plasmids.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and antibiogram testing of 14 Staphylococcus aureus strains from Al-Karak Governmental Hospital surfaces.
  • Whole-genome sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform for DNA analysis.
  • Bioinformatic analysis to identify lineage, resistance genes (e.g., mecA), and plasmids (e.g., pJOR_blaZ).

Main Results:

  • Eleven of 14 isolates were identified as MRSA, with one exhibiting a novel spa type (t4407).
  • Genomic analysis of isolate A29 revealed ST6 lineage, SCCmec type IVa(2B), and a beta-lactam resistance plasmid.
  • The A29 genome showed high similarity to a Danish MRSA isolate, sharing identical antimicrobial resistance genes.

Conclusions:

  • This study presents the first whole-genome sequence of an MRSA isolate from Jordan, highlighting unique genotypic characteristics.
  • The findings contribute to understanding MRSA diversity in Jordan and the Middle East.
  • Evidence supports the occurrence of intercontinental MRSA transmission, as suggested by genomic similarities with a Danish isolate.
Keywords:
JordanMRSAMiddle EastSCCmecST6hospitalspawhole-genome sequencing

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