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Molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients: a single-center study

Katarzyna Garbacz1, Lidia Piechowicz2, Aneta Mroczkowska3

  • 1Department of Oral Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|June 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcus aureus respiratory infections in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients show diverse spa types, with macrolide resistance common in adolescents. Individualized colonization patterns suggest limited clonal spread, necessitating careful monitoring of antibiotic resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a significant respiratory pathogen in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).
  • Understanding the diversity and relatedness of S. aureus strains is crucial for managing CF patients.
  • Assessing antimicrobial resistance patterns is essential for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and relatedness of Staphylococcus aureus spa types in pediatric CF patients.
  • To analyze S. aureus isolates based on patient age groups.
  • To evaluate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of these isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 165 S. aureus isolates from 82 pediatric CF patients over three years.
  • Molecular typing including spa typing and SCCmec typing.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed.

Main Results:

  • Sixty-four spa types were identified, including five novel types, with common clonal complexes (CC30, CC22, CC97, CC45, CC15).
  • Most patients (67.1%) harbored a single spa type, indicating individualized colonization.
  • High rates of macrolide (67.4%) and lincosamide (60.9%) resistance were observed, especially in adolescents (12-18 years).
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found in 10.7% of patients, exclusively with monoclonal colonization.

Conclusions:

  • Staphylococcus aureus colonization in pediatric CF patients is highly diverse and predominantly individualized.
  • Limited evidence of clonal transmission suggests distinct infection dynamics.
  • High macrolide resistance, particularly in adolescents, warrants careful monitoring of macrolide therapy and periodic microbiological surveillance to prevent further resistance selection.
Abstract

Keywords:
MRSAStaphylococcus aureuscystic fibrosispediatric patientsspa typing

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