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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Molecular epidemiology and clinical course of PVL-positive MRSA CC398 infections

Kristýna Brodíková1, Ivana Koláčková1, Miroslava Htoutou Sedláková2,3

  • 1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic.

Folia Microbiologica
|July 1, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Emerging Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-producing Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) CC398 strains are causing difficult skin infections. This study details their genetic traits and resistance, urging clinical awareness for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clonal complex 398 (CC398) producing Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is an emerging threat.
  • This pathogen is increasingly identified in the Czech Republic and Europe.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical significance, epidemiology, and genetic characteristics of PVL-positive MRSA CC398.
  • To understand the resistance and virulence profiles of these emerging strains.

Main Methods:

  • Collected 24 MRSA CC398 isolates from patients with skin and soft tissue infections.
  • Utilized PCR to confirm methicillin resistance (mecA), S. aureus identification, CC398 affiliation, and PVL genes (lukS-PV/lukF-PV).
  • Performed DNA sequencing for comprehensive genetic characterization, including antibiotic resistance and virulence factors.

Main Results:

  • All isolates were multi-drug resistant, showing resistance to beta-lactams and tetracyclines.
  • Presence of immune evasion cluster genes and biofilm-forming genes confirmed in all isolates.
  • MRSA CC398 isolates demonstrated significant virulence potential.

Conclusions:

  • MRSA CC398 strains carrying PVL genes are prevalent and cause recurrent, challenging skin and soft tissue infections.
  • Findings underscore the need for clinical awareness and appropriate infection control measures.
  • Early detection and targeted antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing these infections.
Keywords:
CC398Immune evasion clusterMRSAPanton-Valentine leukocidinRecurrent MRSA infectionsSkin and soft tissue infectionsWGS

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