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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
09:03

Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: September 5, 2013

Molecular Diversity and Comparison of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec Element in Hospital- and

Asad Ali1, Saman Jabbar1, Shahid Aziz2

  • 1Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, pu.edu.pk.

International Journal of Microbiology
|June 10, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains show increasing antibiotic resistance. SCCmec type III is predominant, linked to ciprofloxacin resistance, highlighting the need for infection control to curb MRSA spread.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of hospital and community infections.
  • Antimicrobial resistance poses a growing global health threat.
  • Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing helps predict MRSA genetic background and antibiotic resistance levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare predominant SCCmec types in hospital versus community settings.
  • To determine the antibiotic resistance patterns associated with different SCCmec types.
  • To assess the burden of antibiotic resistance in MRSA isolates.

Main Methods:

  • MRSA isolates were identified from hospital and community settings.
  • Biochemical tests and cefoxitin disc diffusion were used for MRSA screening.
  • Multiplex PCR was employed for SCCmec typing (I-VI) and mecA gene detection.

Main Results:

  • SCCmec type III was the most prevalent (39.31%), with no type V detected.
  • High resistance rates were observed for ciprofloxacin (78.62%).
  • Ciprofloxacin resistance showed a significant association with SCCmec type III.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of MRSA and specific SCCmec types, particularly type III, is increasing.
  • High rates of multiresistant MRSA, especially type III, contribute to rising antibiotic resistance.
  • The presence of community-specific SCCmec types in hospitals necessitates enhanced infection control measures.
Keywords:
MRSASCCmecantibiotic resistance

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