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Low Panton-Valentine leukocidin prevalence in circulating community MRSA: a genomic surveillance study in Qatar

Ristha Kamar1, Khaloud J Alobaidli2, Alyaa N Al Nuaimi2

  • 1Biomedical Research Centre, QU Health Sector, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar.

BMC Infectious Diseases
|June 19, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is prevalent in Qatar, with many strains showing multidrug resistance and key virulence factors. Enhanced surveillance is needed to control the spread of these diverse MRSA strains.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), especially methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), are significant pathogens.
  • Limited data exists on community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) transmission and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the Gulf region.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the AMR patterns and genomic characteristics of CA-MRSA in asymptomatic residents of Qatar.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of nasal and axillary swabs from 576 asymptomatic individuals.
  • Isolation and confirmation of S. aureus, followed by methicillin resistance determination.
  • Antimicrobial resistance profiling, PCR, and whole-genome sequencing for molecular and genomic characterization.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of S. aureus was 10.4%, with MRSA carriage at 3.6% (21/576 isolates).
  • Most MRSA isolates were from young, asymptomatic men; resistance was observed for erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, gentamicin, and sulfonamides.
  • 71% of MRSA isolates exhibited multidrug resistance; 4.7% carried the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene. Phylogenetic analysis indicated polyclonal MRSA strains.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of multidrug-resistant MRSA with virulence factors poses a public health concern.
  • Strengthened community surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection control are crucial to monitor and limit the spread of diverse MRSA strains.
Keywords:
S. aureusAMRCommunity-associatedMDRMRSAMSSA

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